The Ministry of Health has issued a strong warning to parents and the public following a surge in accidents linked to kite flying during the school holiday season.

Acting Director of Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children (LRH) , Specialist Dr. Pradeep Ratnasekara, said kite flying has become increasingly popular among children due to the prevailing dry weather, but careless practices are leading to frequent injuries and even life‑threatening incidents.

“Kite flying is enjoyable, but unsafe methods can cause serious harm. Parents and adults must pay constant attention to children’s safety,” Dr. Ratnasekara emphasized in his statement.

Dr. Ratnasekara further highlighted the following risks:

• Collisions and falls: Group kite flying often results in clashes and falls, while attempts to fly kites from rooftops or high places pose severe risks.
• Electrocution hazards: Contact between kite strings and high‑voltage power lines can transmit electricity, causing shocks and severe burn injuries.
• Severe burn injuries: Surgeons have reported cases where tissue, blood vessels, and nerves in the hands, arms, and chest were irreparably damaged, requiring surgical removal of affected parts.
• Fatal risks: Instant fatalities can occur if kite strings conduct electricity from high‑voltage wires.

The hospital director stressed that children’s enjoyment and their safety must be treated with equal importance. 

Parents, guardians, and society at large were urged to act responsibly and with awareness to prevent dangerous accidents. (Newswire)

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