15 Dead in Kite-Flying Accidents Across Gujarat During Uttarayan

RAJKOT/VADODARA/AHMEDABAD: At least 15 people lost their lives, and hundreds sustained injuries across Gujarat in kite-flying-related accidents on Makar Sankranti, also known as Uttarayan, on Tuesday.

Most fatalities and injuries were caused by sharp manjha (kite string) or from falling off terraces while flying or chasing kites.

Regional Breakdown of Fatalities

• Saurashtra-Kutch: 6 deaths.
• Central Gujarat: 6 deaths.
• Ahmedabad and Bharuch: 1 death each.
• North Gujarat (Aravalli district): 1 death.

The youngest victim was a 10-month-old girl in Gandhidham. She tragically died when her father fell through a fragile terrace sheet while flying a kite, crushing her beneath him.

Surge in Emergency Cases

The EMRI 108 ambulance service reported 4,948 emergency incidents across Gujarat on January 14, a 30% increase compared to normal days. Ahmedabad recorded the highest number of emergencies, with 1,050 cases—a 43% jump from the usual daily average of 734. Hospitals statewide were overwhelmed with a steady influx of injured individuals.

Notable Incidents

• In Jamnagar, police booked a farm owner after his 14-year-old son was electrocuted by illegal electric fencing while attempting to retrieve a kite.
• In Vadodara, three individuals—a 35-year-old woman and two men aged 23 and 21—died in separate incidents.
• In Rajkot, a 10-year-old boy died after falling from a terrace, and another individual succumbed to injuries caused by a kite string.

The Uttarayan festival, while celebrated with enthusiasm, highlighted the dangers associated with unsafe practices like the use of sharp manjha and inadequate safety measures during kite-flying activities.