3 M'sia teens suffer electric shock while carrying flag during procession, 1 in coma

Three teenagers, two 17-year-olds and a 16-year-old, suffered an electric shock when the flag they were carrying in a Nine Emperor Gods procession touched a main power supply line.

All three suffered burns to their body, with one currently in a coma.

The procession was held in Kedah, Malaysia, on Oct. 13.

At about 8:45pm, the flag was blown off course by the wind, causing it to touch a high-voltage power line.

There was a loud noise followed by sparks, reported Oriental Daily.

Burns on body

Ambulances were reportedly on site beforehand, and first aid was performed at the scene by paramedics.

The three injured teenagers were then taken to the hospital for further treatment.

The police said in a statement that the control centre was alerted to this incident at about 9:20pm that night, Sin Chew reported.

The 16-year-old sustained burns to 80 per cent of his body and is currently in a coma.

One of the 17-year-old boys sustained burns to 20 per cent of his body, including both his hands, while the other sustained burns to 40 per cent of his body, including his face and hands.

The two of them have regained consciousness and are under observation in the hospital, according to local police.

May have been caused by weather

The general affairs officer of the temple, Xie (transliteration), said in an interview that such an accident had never occurred before, and believes that the incident was caused by the weather that night, Oriental Daily reported.

Xie said that it had rained that night, and strong winds followed.

He did not rule out the possibility of the flag getting wet from the rain and being blown up by the wind, causing it to touch the high-voltage power line.

Xie emphasised that the incident was accidental and hoped that the public would refrain from speculating.

He also added that they will do their best to provide necessary assistance to the injured and make sure they receive proper care.

They will also follow up on any subsequent needs and provide support for the injured and their families, reported Oriental Daily.