Snapped wires, faulty systems... 66 electrocuted in four months

Major reason for snapped conductors cited to absence of spacers, making lines more vulnerable

- Varsha Somaraj @T'Puram

The state has reported a worrying spike in electrical accident deaths, with 66 people losing their lives between April 1 and July 20 this year. Among them, eight deaths were caused by snapped power lines alone. This number—in just four months—matches the total from the previous financial year and far exceeds earlier figures.

In 2022-23, there were 12 such deaths in the entire year, and eight in 2023-24. Malappuram has reported the highest number of snapped wire deaths this year, with three cases. Kozhikode reported two while Ernakulam, Kollam, and Thrissur reported one each.

G Vinod, chief electrical inspector with the state electrical inspectorate, has pointed to the absence of spacers as a major reason for snapped conductors.