A 14-year-old boy, Muhammad Foster, was electrocuted yesterday after stepping on a live Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) power line that had fallen due to heavy rains in Mangochi.

Mangochi Police spokesperson Amina Daudi confirmed that the incident occurred in Chapola Village, Traditional Authority Chimwala.

According to the deceased’s aunt, strong winds and heavy rains on January 29, 2025, caused a large tree to collapse onto a high-voltage ESCOM power line near Foster’s home.

“The fault was reportedly reported to ESCOM authorities in Mangochi, but no immediate action was taken to fix it,” said Daudi.

The following day, while Foster and his friends were playing near the fallen power line, he accidentally stepped on a live wire and was electrocuted instantly.

The incident was reported to Mangochi Police Station, prompting a response from detectives, ESCOM personnel, and a medical practitioner, who confirmed his death. A postmortem examination later confirmed electrocution as the cause of death.

In response to the tragedy, ESCOM has since switched off the power line to prevent further danger.

Foster hailed from Chapola Village, Traditional Authority Chimwala, Mangochi

Source: Times 360 Malawi