18-year-old electrocuted in Ungoofaru on ventilator; two minors released home

Ungoofaru Regional Hospital, on Friday, reported that the 18-year-old youth electrocuted on Thursday in R. Ungoofaru remains in serious condition and on ventilator support.

The incident was reported to the police at around 01:30 pm and occurred while some children were playing in a puddle next to a street light outside the children’s park on the island. 

According to the police, two teenagers – an 18-year-old male and a 12-year-old girl – and an eight-year-old boy were injured in the incident. 

The 18-year-old sustained the most serious injuries in the incident.

Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital’s Manager Hussain Asif told Sun on Friday that both the 12-year-old and the 8-year-old have been discharged from hospital following treatment.

However, he noted that the 18-year-old remains in serious condition, adding he is being treated on ventilator support. Asif said most of his injuries were internal, although he sustained minor external injuries to the head, after falling.

Despite his condition being serious, Asif said no further details can be provided at this time, as more detailed answers as to his condition can only be ascertained after monitoring him for the next 48 hours.

Asif affirmed that the healthcare services required by the youth are available at Ungoofaru Regional Hospital. So far, doctors have not advised to transport the youth to Male’ City for further treatment, he added.

“The government had undertaken many efforts in this trajectory. Arrangements have been made for transportation, if necessary. However, we remain committed to providing care, backed by the expertise of the doctors available here. We have been receiving technical expertise from IGMH, in circumstances necessary,” he said.

Speaking with Sun regarding the incident on Thursday, the father of the 18-year-old said he was given CPR for one hour, after being brought to the hospital. Doctors then informed the family that they could only continue with CPR for half an hour; at that time, his heart and lungs had not been working.

The father said doctors returned with the news that his heart and lungs had begun working after half an hour, however, needed to be shifted to the intensive care unit.

Asif detailed how the events had unfolded. In this regard, he said the 12-year-old had initially reported back to her family, after sensing electricity, before she was actually electrocuted.. The 18-year-old ran outside after hearing the girl cry upon being electrocuted and had gotten electrocuted himself.

The Police are investigating the case further.