8-Year-Old Killed by 750-Kg Pitch Roller at Gurugram Cricket Academy

An eight-year-old boy was crushed to death by a 750-kg pitch roller at a cricket training academy in Gurugram’s IMT Manesar after the heavy equipment was left unattended, police said.

The victim was identified as Akash Kumar, whose family originally belongs to Nalanda district in Bihar. He lived with his parents and six siblings in Gurugram.

According to police, the incident took place at around 1 pm when Akash, his elder brother Neil and two other children were playing inside the cricket academy. The children reportedly climbed onto the pitch roller, which is normally used to flatten cricket pitches and the ground.

Police said one of the children accidentally switched on the miniature circuit breaker, causing the roller to start moving. With no adult or staff member present to supervise the equipment, the children allegedly began moving the machine back and forth.

During the incident, Akash reportedly fell in front of the roller and was crushed under its weight. The other children, including his brother, ran away from the spot.

The accident came to light only after some players arrived at the academy and noticed Akash lying on the ground. They alerted others and arranged a vehicle to take him to a nearby private hospital. However, doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Akash’s family was reportedly informed that he had been injured. According to his maternal cousin Vikash Kumar, relatives initially did not realise the seriousness of the incident and began searching for the boy. The family learnt about his death nearly an hour after the accident.

Gurugram Police said the family has not alleged foul play or negligence and has submitted a written statement at Kherki Daula police station. Based on the statement, an inquiry was conducted under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.

Police said the boy’s body was handed over to the family after an autopsy on Friday.

Akash’s family has described the incident as a tragic accident and said they do not wish to press charges. The incident, however, has raised concerns over the supervision and safety measures surrounding heavy machinery at sports facilities where children are present.