Himachal: Lineman electrocuted while restoring power supply

A lineman of the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB) was electrocuted on Monday morning while restoring damaged power supply lines in the Bindravan area of Palampur.

The deceased, a resident of Rantital, had reportedly been recently married. His untimely death left family members, colleagues and local residents in shock. According to sources, the lineman was engaged in repair and restoration work on electricity lines damaged during the high-velocity winds and storm that lashed the region on Sunday night. The adverse weather had disrupted power supply in several parts of the area.

Sources alleged that while the employee was carrying out repair work after obtaining a shutdown permit, the power supply was suddenly restored, allegedly due to negligence and lack of coordination. As a result, he suffered a severe electric shock and collapsed on the spot.

Co-workers and local residents immediately rushed him to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The incident triggered resentment among Electricity Board employees and local residents, who demanded a thorough inquiry into the circumstances leading to the accident. They alleged that negligence in adhering to safety protocols had claimed the life of the young employee.

Family members of the deceased demanded strict action against those responsible and sought adequate compensation and financial assistance for the bereaved family. Officials of the Electricity Board have reportedly initiated an inquiry into the incident. The body was handed over to the family after the post-mortem examination.

Local MLA Ashish Butail expressed shock over the tragedy and assured adequate compensation to the family of the deceased.