On July 12, 2025, in Thane, Maharashtra, an 8‑year‑old boy named Rajesh Pawar was playing near a traffic signal pole with his friends when he accidentally touched an exposed live wire. Immediately after contact, he collapsed to the ground. His father, attempting to help, also suffered minor electric shock injuries in the process. Nearby passersby alerted the local electricity department, who quickly cut off power to the pole. Both the child and his father were rushed to a hospital; the boy remains in stable condition while receiving treatment for burn injuries.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about electrical safety near public infrastructure, particularly in residential areas frequented by children. Authorities have registered an accidental injury report and launched an investigation to determine whether negligence such as exposed wiring or lack of protective insulation played a role. Residents in Thane have urged municipal bodies to conduct regular safety inspections and ensure immediate repairs to prevent such accidents in the future.