CHENNAI: A private firm employee suffered severe facial injuries after being struck by a snapped manja kite string on Moolakadai flyover. The incident occurred around 6:30 pm on Thursday when Prakash Jain (67) was returning home on his two-wheeler.

The sharp thread, known as manja and often coated with glass and glue for competitive kite flying, snapped and hit Jain with considerable force.

The thread caused a deep laceration to his lower lip and additional wounds to his face and neck.

He was promptly taken to a hospital for urgent treatment, where doctors performed suturing on his seriously injured lip.

Based on information from the medical facility, the Kodungaiyur police have registered a case of simple assault.

An inquiry is currently underway to investigate the dangerous incident, which highlights the recurring public safety hazard posed by such reinforced kite strings in urban areas.