Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Aug 1: Gururaj (23) from Sirsi died on the spot after getting electrocuted when working on an electric pole near Kuccharu, Kabbinale in the district on Wednesday July 31.

Two others who were working with Gururaj too suffered electric shocks. They have been admitted into a hospital.

Due to heavy rain and strong wind, a tree had got uprooted, resulting in the snapping of an electric pole. About 12 workers employed by a private contractor were engaged in repair work at that time.

Even though the power supply to the line of the pole which got uprooted had been disconnected, the high tension line passing above was live, it is said. It is learnt that when the workers were pulling the broken pole, it came in contact with the high tension line, giving rise to this tragic incident.

The locals showed sympathy towards the workers and blamed Mescom for failing to disconnect power supply of the line located near the site of repair. They held Mescom responsible for the death due to its negligence.