Tragedy at Malaysian Temple Procession: 3 Teenagers Hospitalized After Flagpole Hits Power Line

ALOR SETAR, MALAYSIA — A festive religious procession turned into a scene of sudden panic in Mergong near Alor Setar on Tuesday night, October 13, 2026, after three teenage boys suffered severe electric shocks when a long flag assembly struck a high-voltage power line.

The injured youths—two aged 17 and one aged 16—were immediately rushed to the Emergency and Trauma Department at Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB), where they were admitted to the critical red zone for intensive care.

The mishap occurred around 9:00 PM as thousands of devotees gathered along the main road during the annual Tow Boo Keong Vegetable Temple Procession.

According to temple organizers and eyewitness reports, the teenagers were carrying a large procession flag attached to a bamboo pole when sudden weather changes intervened. Strong gusts of wind coupled with light rainfall pushed the tall pole toward overhead power lines approximately 10 meters above the ground.

The contact triggered a massive electrical flashover and explosion, knocking all three youths to the ground instantly. Bystanders and fellow procession participants immediately rushed to aid the collapsed teens while emergency responders were alerted at around 9:20 PM.

Medical personnel confirmed that all three victims were placed under close observation. While two of the teenagers later regained consciousness, the 16-year-old sustained extensive burns covering approximately 80 percent of his body and remains in critical condition.

Chah Boon Chuan, secretary of the Mergong Tow Boo Keong Vegetable Temple Association, expressed deep shock over the unprecedented incident.

"The pole used to carry the flag was made of bamboo, and this is the first time such an incident has occurred in the history of our annual procession," Chah stated, noting that organizers are closely monitoring the youths' recovery and assisting their families.

National utility provider Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and local police authorities have launched an investigation into the mishap. Preliminary technical assessments indicate that an electrical arc (flashover) was triggered when the tall bamboo structure breached the mandatory safe clearance distance required around high-voltage overhead cables.

TNB reiterated the critical importance of maintaining safe distances from high-voltage installations during public parades, outdoor festivities, and banner placements. Local administrative authorities are evaluating stricter clearance guidelines and height limits for procession structures to ensure public safety in future community celebrations.