Bengaluru: A contract labourer working on Namma Metro’s pillar lighting project died after suffering an electric shock during excavation work near Trinity Metro Station, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) said. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon while the worker was digging an earth pit near Metro Pillar No. 153.
The victim, employed by M R Electricals, was rushed to St. Philomena’s Hospital immediately after the incident but was declared dead on arrival. BMRCL has expressed condolences to the bereaved family, while a detailed investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Worker electrocuted during excavation work
According to BMRCL, the accident took place at around 3:52 pm near Pillar No. 153 outside Trinity Metro Station.
The labourer was engaged in earth pit excavation as part of the pillar lighting works being executed by M R Electricals, a contractor appointed for the Namma Metro project.
During the excavation, the worker allegedly came into contact with a live electric source, resulting in a severe electric shock.
Fellow workers immediately shifted him to the Emergency Ward of St. Philomena’s Hospital for treatment. However, doctors declared him dead upon arrival.
BMRCL orders investigation
In an official statement, BMRCL described the incident as an unfortunate accident and said the precise cause of the electrocution is yet to be determined.
The corporation stated that the concerned authorities are conducting a detailed investigation to establish how the worker came into contact with the electric source.
BMRCL said additional information will be shared after the inquiry is completed.
The corporation also conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the deceased worker’s family.
Safety protocols under scrutiny
The incident has once again drawn attention to safety practices at construction sites, particularly those involving underground excavation and electrical installations.
Authorities are expected to examine whether all mandatory safety procedures, including electrical inspections, protective equipment and site supervision, were followed before excavation work began.
Investigators may also assess whether the underground electric source was properly identified and isolated before work commenced.
The findings of the investigation will determine whether any lapses in safety protocols contributed to the fatal accident.
Separate incident leaves biker seriously injured
In another incident reported in Bengaluru, a 52-year-old man sustained serious head injuries after a tree branch fell on him while he was riding a motorcycle near Ram Mandir Road in Rajajinagar.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening when the victim, identified as Satish, was travelling to collect a finance payment.
A video of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, shows a dry roadside tree branch suddenly snapping and falling directly onto the rider.
The impact caused Satish to lose control of his motorcycle and crash onto the road.
Victim undergoing treatment
People in the vicinity rushed to help Satish after finding him unconscious following the accident.
He was shifted to a nearby hospital, where doctors are treating him for severe head injuries.
Police said Satish was not wearing a helmet at the time of the incident.
Authorities are also examining the condition of the roadside tree and whether preventive maintenance could have avoided the accident.
Investigation continues
Both incidents have raised concerns about public safety in Bengaluru, with one highlighting workplace safety at infrastructure projects and the other drawing attention to the risks posed by neglected roadside trees.
While BMRCL and the concerned authorities continue to investigate the electrocution at the Metro worksite, police are also looking into the circumstances surrounding the Rajajinagar accident.
Officials are expected to submit detailed reports after completing their respective investigations.