In the midst of ongoing protests in Rajendra Nagar over the deaths of three UPSC students, a tragic incident occurred at a coaching centre in Delhi. Vani Awasthi, a student enrolled at the centre, was electrocuted due to waterlogging caused by recent rains. The incident happened on Thursday, leaving the young student critically injured.
According to Dr. Sudeep Saran, who is treating Vani, the electrocution occurred when she was using a biometric machine to register her attendance. The machine was installed on an iron gate that had become dangerously electrified due to water accumulation.
“Vani was at the coaching centre when she encountered the incident. The area where the biometric machine was located was waterlogged after heavy rains in Delhi. When she touched the gate while using the biometric machine, she was electrocuted,” Dr. Saran.
The student fell unconscious at the scene and was immediately rushed to Safdarjung Hospital. After a prolonged period of unconsciousness, she was transferred to a private hospital in Bareilly, where she has been admitted to the ICU. Initially, her condition was critical, with significant loss of function in her left leg and hand and psychological trauma.
Dr. Saran has provided updates on Vani’s condition, noting that she is gradually recovering. “With the assistance of counselling and medication, there have been improvements in her condition. She can now speak properly, although she still experiences heightened anxiety. It remains to be seen if there will be any long-term impact on her cognitive functions,” Dr. Saran explained.
The psychological impact of the incident has been severe, with Vani developing a phobia as a result of the shock. Her physical condition is also improving, but it will take time for her to fully recover from both the physical and emotional trauma.
Shweta, an eyewitness who witnessed the aftermath of the incident, described the scene to ANI. She revealed that the biometric machine was installed on an iron gate and was directly affected by the waterlogging. “The machine was installed on an iron gate, which became electrified due to the water accumulation after the recent rains. Vani was electrocuted after touching the gate. She was first taken to RML Hospital and later sent to Bareilly for further treatment,” Shweta said.
Following the incident, the coaching center took immediate action by removing the faulty biometric machine. The library, where the incident occurred, has been shut down and is in the process of being relocated. The owner of the center has decided to move the library to a different location to avoid similar incidents in the future.
This tragic event highlights several critical issues, including safety standards in educational institutions and the need for proper infrastructure maintenance. The incident occurred amidst broader unrest over recent UPSC student deaths, drawing additional attention to student safety and the adequacy of emergency responses.
The public reaction has been one of shock and anger, with calls for stricter safety regulations in educational facilities and better preparedness for handling such emergencies. The oversight in safety measures, particularly concerning electrical installations in areas prone to waterlogging, has raised serious concerns.
In light of this incident, it is imperative for educational institutions and coaching centers to review and enhance their safety protocols. Regular maintenance and safety checks, especially in areas prone to environmental hazards, should be prioritized to prevent similar incidents in the future. Additionally, there needs to be a focus on supporting students through both physical and psychological recovery processes in the aftermath of such accidents.
The case of Vani Awasthi serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of ensuring safe learning environments and the need for immediate corrective actions when safety hazards are identified.