Three people killed in India by kite strings

Indian police said on Wednesday that three people were killed by kite strings coated in glass, a product that has become popular with kite fliers due to its resistance to tearing and ability to cut other people's kite strings.

The deaths occurred in New Delhi on Monday, when India was celebrating its Independence Day. In separate incidents, both a 3-year-old girl and a 4-year-old boy were killed by the kite strings after sticking their heads out of a car's sunroof. The third incident occurred when a 22-year-old man was killed after getting tangled in a kite string while driving his motorcycle.

Flying kites is a common sight during big celebrations in India. Many Indians also participate in the sport of kite-fighting, in which participants attempt to cut each other's kite strings.

The glass-coated nylon strings have typically been imported from China. Following the three deaths, Indian authorities announced they were prohibiting the sale of the strings and would fine anyone who defied the ban.

blc/sms (AP, dpa)