Hyderabad: Father-Son Electricians Die, Owner Critical in Balcony Lift Collapse
In a devastating incident at Methodist Colony in Kundanbagh, Hyderabad, a father and son, both working as electricians, lost their lives, while the house owner remains in critical condition. The tragedy occurred when a temporary metal slab, which connected an elevator landing to a third-floor balcony corridor, suddenly gave way, causing all three individuals to crash to the ground.
Details of the Fatal Accident
The incident took place on Saturday morning but came to public attention only on Sunday. The victims have been identified as Vivek, aged 30, and his father Devi Das, aged 60, both of whom died on the spot. Dwaraka Prasad, a 65-year-old engineer and the house owner, is currently battling for his life in the hospital.
Prasad's family owns the G+3 residential building and resides on the third floor. During the original construction, no provision was made for a lift. Approximately five years ago, the family installed an elevator in the setback area along the balconies. However, a significant five-foot gap existed between the lift landing on the third floor and the balcony. To bridge this gap, Prasad had constructed a temporary iron slab.
Police Investigation and Findings
According to Assistant Commissioner of Police (Panjagutta division) Murali Krishna, the temporary structure was covered with cement over an iron framework to conceal the metal underneath. Police investigations revealed that the lift had been malfunctioning for the past three months. On Saturday, Prasad hired the electricians to repair the issue. While all three were standing on the temporary slab discussing the problem, it suddenly broke, leading to their fall.
Panjagutta police have registered a criminal case against Prasad on charges of causing death by negligence. Preliminary findings indicate that the metal slab had weakened due to rust accumulation, which likely contributed to the collapse. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the matter to determine further details and ensure accountability.
Broader Implications and Safety Concerns
This incident highlights serious safety concerns regarding temporary structures in residential buildings, especially those involving elevators and balconies. The use of makeshift solutions to address design flaws can pose significant risks, as evidenced by this tragic event. Experts emphasize the importance of adhering to proper construction standards and regular maintenance to prevent such accidents.
As the community mourns the loss of the electricians, questions arise about regulatory oversight and the need for stricter enforcement of building codes in urban areas like Hyderabad. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of negligence in construction and repair work.
