Tamil Nadu: Two Tangedco Workers Electrocuted While Repairing Power Lines In Trichy

According to the preliminary investigations, the power supply to the cables was not fully turned off during the repair work.

While Kalamani was atop an electric tower, he was electrocuted to death on the spot.

Source : Pixabay

Two contract workers of Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) were electrocuted to death while repairing a high-tension overhead power line near Olaiyur Ring Road in KK Nagar, Tiruchi on Wednesday. The victims identified as C. Kalamani (42) and K. Manickam (37) were engaged in maintenance work at the time of the the accident.

While Kalamani was atop an electric tower, he was electrocuted to death on the spot. Manickam who working on the ground suffered shock and was rushed to Trichy Government Hospital, according to a report on The Hindu. However, even after the medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.

Later, fire and rescue services retrieved Kalamani's body from the tower. The bodies were shifted to Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital in Trichy for autopsy. 

According to the preliminary investigations, the power supply to the cables was not fully turned off during the repair work. It appears the grounding system failed, causing a high electric flow. The witnesses told India Today that a plasma flash was visible from the electric tower.

The incident was also captured on CCTV footage and the video showed the workers working without proper protective gear.

Meanwhile, the KK Nagar police have registered a case and are probing the lapses that led to the tragedy. The Tangedco officials have launched an inquiry into the incident.

The accident has sparked outrage among trade unions which have called for adequate compensation for the bereaved families and stricter safety protocols for contract workers.

This incident is similar to a electrocution incident reported last year in Thoothukudi district where a Tangedco worker lost his life while repairing a transformer on Christmas Day.

Last month, a migrant worker was electrocuted during the Cyclone Fengal and his body was found near an ATM in Muthialpet.