11 KV line accident leaves lineman with severe burns and multiple fractures; colleagues allege negligence

A lineman suffered serious injuries early Tuesday morning after a high-tension power line was suddenly restored while he was working on it at the Chorhata Distribution Centre in Rewa district. The worker, identified as Kamlesh, was electrocuted, his clothes caught fire, and he fell from the 11 KV pole, fracturing both arms and legs.

The incident occurred around 8:30 am when Kamlesh had climbed the pole to carry out repair work on a transformer. According to initial information, he had followed procedure and ensured the line was de-energised before beginning his work. At some point, someone restored the power supply without checking whether workers were still on the pole.

Sudden Restoration of Power

The moment current flowed through the line, Kamlesh received a severe electric shock. Co-workers present at the site said the impact was so intense that his clothing immediately caught fire. Disoriented and in agony, he lost his grip and fell straight down from the height.

The fall, combined with the electrical burns, left him in critical condition. Workers on the ground rushed towards him while others ran to cut off the supply again. Local residents gathered quickly, and an ambulance was called to the spot.

Multiple Injuries Reported

Kamlesh was taken to a nearby hospital where doctors are currently treating him for severe burns across his body. Medical staff confirmed multiple fractures in both hands and legs due to the impact of the fall. His condition is stated to be serious, and he remains under close observation.

Hospital sources said the next 48 hours would be crucial in determining the extent of recovery, particularly regarding the burn injuries and potential nerve damage from the electric shock.

Colleagues Allege Departmental Negligence

Fellow workers have accused the electricity department of gross negligence. They claim Kamlesh had properly obtained permission and ensured the line was switched off before climbing the pole. Someone, they allege, restarted the supply without following basic safety checks.

According to workers at the Chorhata centre, such lapses are not new. They pointed out that communication between substation staff and field workers is often poor, with no clear protocol to prevent exactly this kind of accident. Officials have been informed of the incident, and the injured worker's family has reached the hospital.

Calls for Investigation

Senior electricity department officials have been notified about the accident. A sense of anger and unease has spread among local staff, who are demanding an impartial departmental inquiry. They want those responsible for the negligence identified and strict action taken against them.

So far, no formal statement has been issued by the Rewa district electricity office regarding the sequence of events. Sources said a preliminary fact-finding exercise has been initiated, though no timeline for a full investigation has been provided.