Chennai: A 16-year-old schoolboy died after the Olympic torch he was carrying during an annual sports meet exploded and caught fire in a private school in Kanchipuram.
The incident happened on August 30 at the Ramakrishnan Mission matriculation school in Chengalpet in Kanchipuram district. The student M.Vignesh (16), younger son of daily wage worker Murugan in Chengalpet, was a Class 12 student at the school. He succumbed to his burn injuries on Sunday evening, police said.
Sources said the interschool annual sports meet was held on August 30 in Ramakrishna school. As soon as the authorities declared the meet open that morning, notable sports players from district schools marched with an Olympic flame. The victim, Vignesh, a badminton player and one of the torchbearers, received the torch and began walking when the torch exploded and caught fire.
Vignesh suffered severe burns on his face, chest and legs. An ambulance was summoned and he was taken to the Chengalpet government hospital. Police said he was later referred to Kilpauk medical college and hospital where his health condition deteriorated and he died on Sunday evening. A post-mortem was done and the body handed over to his family.
Speaking to DC, Murugan said the school authorities did not inform them after the untoward incident. “Vignesh’s classmates informed us,” he said. He accused the school of using petrol instead of kerosene to ignite the Olympic flame. However, the school management denied the allegation.
The Chengalpet Town police registered a case under section 174 and began enquiries. Meanwhile, Talking about the incident, Chief Educational Officer Angelo Irudhayasamy expressed grief and condolence to his family. He said he has formed a special team to probe the incident and file a detailed report immediately. The educational officer also banned the use of Olympic flame during sports events in the district.
