Two linemen electrocuted by high-tension wire in Dadri

DADRI: Two linemen were electrocuted when they came in contact with an 11kV high-tension line while they were working at a construction site in Bodaki village in Greater Noida on Wednesday morning.
Police said the accident occurred around 10.30am when the two workers, Faqrool, 30, and Ashiq, 28, were working at an under-construction house of one Sri Krishan, a resident of the area."Faqrool was a contractor and Ashiq, a labourer. Eyewitnesses told us that Ashiq was cutting an iron rod when a high-tension wire fell on him. Faqrool rushed to rescue him and tried to remove the wire with a stick but he too came in contact with the wire and got electrocuted. Both died on the spot," said DSP Anurag Singh.
While locals blamed the power department for not changing the old, rusting power lines that was hanging overhead, and which eventually led to the accident, UPPCL superintending engineer Arvind Rajvedi said, "What I've got to know from my investigation is that these two labourers were working on a parapet of an under-construction residential site. They were straightening a round iron rod, which, when straightened, hit the power line overhead and broke it, leading to their electrocution".
Rajvedi said that Ashiq, who was straightening the iron rod, also suffered burns on his palms.
However residents had a different story to tell. Ankit, a resident, said, "It was an old line. To keep it at a height, the wire is attached to two poles installed at a stipulated gap. But in this case, the two poles were missing and the line was hanging over the houses".
Police said the role of UPPCL staff responsible for installing the wire in the village would be examined and those found guilty would be charged. "We have asked the power corporation to shut down the lines. The bodies have been sent for autopsy, and an FIR lodged at the Dadri police station, based on the complaint by a relative of one of the victims," said Singh.
Both the linemen were from West Bengal and were residing in Gautampuri and Chithera village respectively. Police said they calmed down the locals who had panicked after the accident by running into their house.