Motorcyclist injured as sharp kite string winds around neck in Karnataka

The motorcyclist was traveling on the National Highway bridge in the Gandhi Nagar area of Belagavi when the kite string, typically coated with powdered glass or manja to make it sharp, wrapped around his neck. The sharp string caused lacerations to his throat as he struggled to free himself while managing the motorcycle. He was reportedly able to bring his vehicle under control and seek medical attention for his injuries.

Kite-flying, particularly during festival season, has long been a popular pastime across South and Southeast Asia. However, the use of manja-coated strings has repeatedly led to serious injuries and fatalities among motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians who inadvertently come into contact with the sharp strings, especially on busy roads and highways.

The incident in Belagavi is the latest in a series of accidents attributed to kite-flying activities in populated and high-traffic areas. Safety advocates have called for stricter regulation of kite-flying near major roads and the use of safer alternatives to manja-coated strings. Local authorities have been urged to intensify awareness campaigns about the dangers posed by traditional kite strings, particularly during peak kite-flying seasons.