Tragic Electrocution Claims Two Lives During DMK Flag Installation in Thanjavur
In a devastating incident near Thanjavur, two workers lost their lives due to electrocution while they were installing flag poles for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party. The fatal accident occurred on Thursday in the vicinity of a wedding hall where a family function of a DMK office-bearer was scheduled to take place.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The victims have been identified as M Karthik, aged 45, and S Gokul, aged 27, both hailing from Salem district. They were part of a group of laborers tasked with erecting DMK flagpoles along the Pillaiyarpatti-Thiruvaiyaru bypass road. The wedding, which was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, was set to occur at a hall in this area.
While raising one of the flagpoles, Karthik and Gokul inadvertently failed to notice a high-voltage overhead power line directly above them. The metal pole made contact with the live electrical line, resulting in a powerful shock that violently threw both men away from the site.
Emergency Response and Legal Proceedings
Local police were immediately alerted and rushed the severely injured workers to the Thanjavur Government Medical College Hospital. Despite prompt medical attention, doctors at the hospital declared both individuals brought dead upon arrival.
The Tamil University police station has registered a formal case under Section 194 (unnatural death) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS). Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances leading to this tragic event.
Following the incident, autopsies were performed at the hospital to ascertain the precise cause of death. Subsequently, the bodies were released and handed over to the respective families of the deceased for final rites.
Safety Concerns and Aftermath
This incident has raised significant concerns regarding safety protocols during such public installations, especially in areas with hazardous overhead power lines. The community and local officials are likely to review procedures to prevent similar accidents in the future.
The loss of Karthik and Gokul has left their families and the local community in mourning, highlighting the risks faced by workers in such manual tasks.
