6 labourers electrocuted after high-tension wire snaps in Anantapur district

ANANTAPUR: As many as six agricultural labourers were electrocuted after a 33-KV power line snapped and fell on a tractor in Anantapur district on Wednesday. The tragedy occurred when the farm workers were harvesting the crops in Dargahonnur village of Bommanahal mandal of Rayadurgam taluk.

According to the villagers, the labourers had gone to harvest corn husks in a farmer's field near the village. While loading the crop into the tractor the overhead high-tension wire snapped and fell on the tractor leaving the six labourers electrocuted. They died on the spot. Villagers, who rushed to the spot, shifted three others, who were grievously injured, to a Bellary hospital. Their condition was stated to be critical.

Meanwhile, it is alleged that the accident happened due to the negligence of the electricity department staff who did not undertake periodic monitoring of the electricity lines and the related network.

ADE, AE, line inspector suspended

Reacting to the incident, the Transmission Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (APTransco) suspended the Assistant Divisional Engineer (ADE), Assistant Engineer (AE) and Line Inspector in charge of the area on Wednesday.

The Director of Electrical Safety was instructed to investigate and submit a report at the earliest. Based on the report, appropriate action will be initiated against the supervising officers.

The Power Distribution Company of Andhra Pradesh( DISCOM) was also ordered to provide immediate compensation to the families of the victims.