Mudigere: A shocking incident involving two motorcyclists narrowly escaping a possible electrocution accident has surfaced from Mudigere taluk in Chikkamagaluru district after they reportedly ignored warnings from locals and rode dangerously close to a burning electric pole during heavy rain.
The incident occurred near Billur in Gowdalli village, where continuous rainfall reportedly caused a short circuit in an electric pole situated beside the roadside.
According to local residents, sparks were continuously flying from the pole and flames had engulfed portions of the electrical infrastructure after the short circuit developed.
Despite visible danger and repeated warnings from people nearby, the bikers allegedly continued riding towards the burning pole instead of stopping or turning back.
Locals warned riders of danger
Eyewitnesses said local residents standing near the road attempted to alert motorists and prevent vehicles from moving closer to the damaged electric pole.
People reportedly shouted warnings such as “Don’t go ahead, there is danger,” after noticing the severity of the short circuit and the risk posed by exposed electrical wires.
However, the bikers ignored the warnings and proceeded past the spot, apparently believing they would not be affected.
Moments later, electric wires near the pole reportedly snapped with a loud noise, creating panic among those present at the scene.
Locals said the situation could have turned fatal had the live wires fallen directly onto the riders or their motorcycles.
Major tragedy narrowly avoided
Residents stated that the riders escaped purely by chance as the wires snapped shortly after they crossed the dangerous section.
If the electric cables had fallen a few seconds earlier, the bikers could have suffered severe electrocution or burn injuries on the spot.
The near-miss incident has sparked outrage among local residents, who criticised the reckless behaviour of the riders and warned about the dangers of ignoring safety precautions during electrical emergencies.
People in the area also highlighted the risks posed by rain-related short circuits in hilly regions where strong winds, heavy rain and damaged electric infrastructure often create hazardous conditions.
Video of incident goes viral
Passengers travelling in a vehicle ahead of the bikers reportedly captured the entire incident on their mobile phones.
The video, which has now gone viral across social media platforms, shows the burning electric pole with sparks flying while the riders continue moving dangerously close to the spot.
The visuals triggered strong reactions online, with many users questioning why individuals continue taking life-threatening risks despite clear warnings.
Several netizens commented that the bikers were fortunate to escape without injuries and described the incident as an example of extreme negligence and disregard for personal safety.
Rain-triggered electrical hazards increase in hilly areas
The incident comes amid continuous rainfall across several parts of Chikkamagaluru district and nearby hilly regions, where short circuits and electricity-related hazards often increase during monsoon and pre-monsoon periods.
Heavy rain and moisture can damage electric poles, transformers and overhead wires, increasing the risk of fires, electrocution and power disruptions.
Experts advise people to stay away from damaged electrical infrastructure, especially during rain, and immediately alert electricity authorities if sparks, smoke or fire are noticed from poles or transformers.
Officials also regularly warn motorists against driving through areas affected by fallen wires or electrical faults.
Locals demand stricter safety awareness
Following the incident, residents demanded greater public awareness regarding electrical safety and disaster preparedness during heavy rain.
Some locals said many people underestimate the danger posed by short circuits and exposed live wires, particularly during emergencies caused by rain and storms.
They stressed that even a brief delay in recognising danger can lead to fatal accidents.
The viral video has now become a cautionary example of how negligence and overconfidence can potentially lead to disaster.
Fortunately, in this case, the riders escaped without loss of life or injury, though locals say the outcome could easily have been tragic.
Authorities are expected to inspect the damaged electric infrastructure and take preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the area.