Squirrel snaps HT electrical wire, 5 women charred to death

HYDERABAD: A squirrel wreaked havoc resulting in the loss of five lives at Chillakondapalli in Sathya Sai District of Andhra Pradesh.

APSPDCL CMD Harinadha Rao confirmed that the accident was caused due to a squirrel. He explained that due to a short circuit and earthing during the squirrel scurry, the wires were severed and at the same time, high tension electric wires fell on the autorickshaw causing a major fire mishap. He revealed that a departmental inquiry was ordered into the accident with Anantapur SE as the inquiry officer. The APSPDCL CMD announced Rs. 5 lakh as an ex-gratia to the families of the deceased and Rs. 2 lakh for the injured.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy expressed shock over the incident and extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Jagan, who is on a visit to Paris, enquired the details of the accident through the CMO and ordered a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the deceased. He also said that better treatment should be provided to those injured in the accident and asked the authorities to stand by the families of the victims.

Governor Biswabhushan Hari Chandan also expressed shock over the Sathya Sai district accident. He is saddened by the death of the labourers traveling in the autorickshaw when the high tension wires fell on it. Special Chief Secretary of Raj Bhavan RP Sisodia was instructed to get complete information from the district administration.