Chennai Engineer’s Heroic Rescue Saves Child from Electrocution

Chennai – A 24-year-old diploma engineer, Kannan Thamizhselvan, has been hailed as a hero after rescuing a nine-year-old boy from a life-threatening electrocution incident in Arumbakkam on April 16, 2025. The dramatic rescue, captured on CCTV and widely shared on social media, showcased Kannan’s courage and quick thinking, saving Class III student Jaden Ryan from a potentially fatal accident caused by a leaking underground power cable.

The Incident

On the afternoon of April 16, Jaden Ryan, a resident of Maangali Nagar in Arumbakkam, was walking home from school after writing his annual examination. As he navigated a street in Arumbakkam, he stepped into stagnant rainwater and suffered an electric shock from a damaged underground cable, causing him to collapse unconscious in a puddle. The incident, later attributed to a small puncture in the cable caused during roadwork by Greater Chennai Corporation contractors, could have been fatal if not for the intervention of Kannan Thamizhselvan.

Kannan, who works for a construction material supplier in Arumbakkam, was stepping out for work on his two-wheeler when he witnessed Jaden’s fall. “I stopped the two-wheeler to rescue him. I thought he slipped and fell unconscious. But when I went closer, I saw him shaking and realised he was suffering an electric shock. I decided to take the risk of lifting him out,” Kannan recounted. The CCTV footage, which went viral on April 19, shows him hesitating briefly before rushing through the water to pull the boy to safety.

Life-Saving Actions

Demonstrating remarkable presence of mind, Kannan performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on Jaden, a skill he had learned from YouTube videos. After stabilizing the boy, he rushed him to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention. His swift actions ensured Jaden received timely treatment, and the boy is now recovering.

Kannan, originally from Kaliyaranvidudhy in Pudukottai district, contacted Jaden’s father, Robert, using the contact details on the boy’s school ID card. Robert, a private firm employee, expressed profound gratitude: “I dropped him in the morning as usual, and he was walking back home as he always does. I don’t know Kannan. He called me seeing my number on Jaden’s school ID card. We rushed to the hospital then. I have been thanking him every day since then.”

Cause of the Incident

The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) investigated the incident and identified the cause as a minor puncture in an underground power cable. According to the TNPDCL assistant executive engineer for Arumbakkam, the damage occurred during recent road relaying work by Greater Chennai Corporation contractors. The puncture allowed electricity to leak into the stagnant rainwater, creating a hazardous situation. Authorities have since addressed the issue to prevent further incidents, and TNPDCL is coordinating with civic bodies to ensure safer infrastructure maintenance practices.

Community Response and Recognition

The viral CCTV footage has sparked widespread admiration for Kannan’s bravery, with social media users and local residents praising his selflessness. The incident has also highlighted the risks posed by damaged electrical infrastructure, particularly during the monsoon season when waterlogging is common in Chennai. Community leaders have called for stricter oversight of roadwork and utility maintenance to protect public safety.

Jaden’s father noted that his son had been unwell before the incident but was sent to school to complete his exams. The family is now focused on Jaden’s recovery, with Robert emphasizing the debt of gratitude they owe Kannan. “He’s a hero to us,” Robert said, reflecting the sentiments of many in the Arumbakkam community.

Broader Implications

The incident underscores the importance of public awareness and preparedness in emergencies. Kannan’s use of CPR, learned informally through online videos, highlights the value of accessible first-aid education. It also raises questions about urban infrastructure safety, particularly in areas prone to waterlogging and electrical hazards. The Greater Chennai Corporation and TNPDCL are expected to review their coordination protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Kannan Thamizhselvan’s heroic rescue of Jaden Ryan in Arumbakkam is a testament to the power of individual courage and quick thinking in the face of danger. His actions not only saved a young life but also brought attention to critical safety issues in Chennai’s urban landscape. As Jaden recovers and the community rallies around its local hero, authorities are urged to take proactive measures to ensure such incidents are not repeated, safeguarding residents from preventable hazards.