In a tragic incident in Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit district, a private bus driver and his 16-year-old son were electrocuted after their vehicle came into contact with a high-tension electricity cable. The accident occurred approximately 100 meters from the Bareilly-Haridwar national highway in the Gauneri area of Jahanabad.
Details of the Incident
The driver, Sajjan Khan, 56, who also owned the bus, had just dropped off around 50 wedding guests at a nearby village. As he was reversing the 52-seater vehicle, it struck a high-tension power line. Locals reported that the bus's tires caught fire after high voltage current passed through the vehicle, killing Khan and his son, Subhan, on the spot.
Khan resided in Pilibhit and had purchased the bus through a loan about three years ago. He is survived by his wife and four daughters.
Authorities Respond
Pilibhit District Magistrate (DM) Gyanendra Singh stated that a four-member inquiry panel has been constituted to investigate the incident. The panel includes the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and Circle Officer (CO) of Pilibhit Sadar, the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO), and the Superintending Engineer of the Electricity Department. The panel is required to submit a report within three days.
The DM also directed Superintendent of Police (SP) Sukirti Madhav to conduct an extensive inspection of all such cables and prepare a detailed report. “I’ve referred the matter to the state government for stringent action against the culprits,” said the DM, adding that the victims' kin would receive compensation from the electricity department.
Electricity Department's Action
Manoj Kumar, Superintending Engineer at Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL), said he has set up a panel led by the Executive Engineer of Puranpur circle to look into allegations of “laxity and negligence.”
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of high-tension cables near roads and the need for stricter enforcement of safety norms. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are awaited.
