A man in Brazil has died after a kite string coated with glass powder became entangled around his neck as he rode his motorcycle to work. The incident occurred on June 30 in the municipality of Santana, Amapa state.
Cleuson Andrade Viana, 39, was pronounced dead approximately 30 minutes after the incident, despite efforts by bystanders to control the bleeding. Official medical reports indicate the string caused a deep laceration to his jugular vein and trachea.
Police stated that the kite string was coated with glass powder to increase its sharpness, a practice that is banned under local regulations. These abrasive strings, known as "cerol," are commonly used in kite fighting, a sport where participants attempt to sever each other's kite lines. The specific line involved in the incident was an industrially produced version coated with aluminum oxide or quartz powder, making it potentially more abrasive than standard glass-coated cerol.
The use of such strings is illegal in Amapa under State Law No. 2.457, with penalties including fines and possible imprisonment. Investigations are underway to identify the individual flying the kite at the time of the incident.
Mr. Viana's wife, Lenice Moreira, described him as a loving father and a supportive partner, stating he left home in good spirits on the day of the incident. The family has expressed devastation over the loss. His mother also called for justice, emphasizing his role as a hard-working father.
Legislators in Brazil are reportedly working to prohibit the manufacture, sale, and use of these dangerous strings. A bill progressing through Brazil's Congress proposes penalties of one to three years in jail and a fine for offenders. While these strings are already outlawed in some densely populated areas, kite fighting remains popular, particularly in Rio de Janeiro's favelas.
This incident echoes a similar event last year, where a man died after a glass-coated kite string severed his neck while he was riding his motorcycle with his wife. To mitigate such risks, motorcyclists in some areas have adopted the practice of installing antenna-like posts, sometimes equipped with razors, on the front of their bikes to cut incoming kite strings.