Chhattisgarh Kabaddi Match Turns Tragic as Three Killed in Electrocution Accident

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A kabaddi match in Ravaswahi village, Kondagaon district, Chhattisgarh, ended in tragedy when three people lost their lives after a tent erected for spectators came in contact with a high-voltage power line. The incident occurred on Saturday night, leaving the community in shock and sparking urgent calls for greater safety measures at rural sporting events.

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How the Incident Unfolded

The kabaddi match was part of a local gathering in Ravaswahi village under the Baderajpur development block. Villagers had erected a large tent with iron poles to provide shade and seating for spectators.

As the match progressed, a sudden storm swept across the area. In the strong winds, an 11-kV power line came into contact with the metal tent pole, instantly electrifying the structure. Several people standing nearby received shocks before the current could be cut.

Casualties and Injuries

Local police confirmed that six individuals were rushed to a hospital in Vishrampuri. Tragically, three of them — identified as Satish Netam (a kabaddi player also watching the game), Shyamlal Netam, and Sunil Shori — were declared dead on arrival.

Three others sustained serious burn injuries. Two of them had to be shifted to an advanced medical centre due to critical conditions. Their current health status is being closely monitored.

Eyewitness Accounts

Spectators described the moment as chaotic and terrifying. Many people panicked when they saw sparks and heard screams. Some rushed to pull others away from the electrified pole, while others ran to find help.

One villager recalled: “We were all enjoying the game when suddenly people started falling near the tent. The storm had just hit, and within seconds, the atmosphere turned from festive to tragic.”

Police and Administrative Response

Authorities arrived at the scene soon after the incident. Police confirmed that an inquiry has been launched to determine whether negligence played a role in the tragedy.

Initial findings suggest the tent was erected too close to an overhead power line, increasing the risk of such an accident. Officials have also promised to review safety guidelines for public gatherings in rural areas to prevent recurrence.

The Risks of Power Lines Near Public Events

This tragedy sheds light on a recurring issue in many parts of rural India — sporting and cultural events being organised near high-tension electricity lines without adequate safety precautions.

Experts note that temporary tents, often made with iron poles, become highly dangerous when erected close to live wires. In stormy conditions, the risk multiplies, as swaying wires can come into direct contact with structures.

Calls for Stricter Safety Rules

The Kondagaon incident has sparked renewed debate on the need for clear safety regulations for rural events. Suggestions include:
Mandating minimum distance between event structures and high-voltage lines.
Pre-event inspections by local electricity boards.
Training volunteers on basic emergency protocols.
Ensuring availability of medical teams during large gatherings.
Such steps could save lives in the future, especially in areas where community events draw large crowds but infrastructure remains underdeveloped.

Community in Mourning

Villagers in Ravaswahi have been left devastated. The victims were well-known in their communities, and their sudden loss has cast a pall of grief over the region. Social leaders have called for compensation for the victims’ families and better safety measures during future sports events.

Quick Takeaway

A kabaddi match in Kondagaon, Chhattisgarh, turned tragic due to electrocution.
Three people died, including a kabaddi player watching the game.
Cause: 11-kV power line touched the tent’s iron pole during a storm.
Three others injured; two in critical condition at an advanced centre.
Authorities promise stricter safety reviews for rural gatherings.

Conclusion

What should have been a night of sport and community bonding in Kondagaon turned into an unimaginable tragedy. The electrocution incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by overhead power lines, especially when public events are organised without proper safety oversight.

As the families of the victims mourn their loss, the incident calls for urgent reform in how rural sports and cultural programmes are planned. Stronger safety protocols and better coordination with power authorities are essential to ensure that such heartbreaking accidents do not occur again.