Vidisha: A 60-year-old man died after coming into contact with an 11-kV power line while spitting gutkha from the balcony of his rented accommodation in Madhya Pradesh’s Vidisha district. The incident occurred at an under-construction building, where the high-voltage electricity line reportedly passes dangerously close to the structure.
The man suffered a fatal electric shock and died at the spot, according to the available information. The electrocution left his body hanging from the building’s ledge, triggering panic among local residents.
People gathered at the scene after learning about the incident. Police subsequently reached the location and initiated an investigation. The man was taken to a hospital, where he was declared brought dead.
The incident has raised concerns about the proximity of high-voltage electricity lines to buildings, particularly structures that are still under construction.
Man electrocuted while spitting gutkha
The 60-year-old man was reportedly staying in a rented portion of an under-construction house in Vidisha district.
According to the information available, he was spitting gutkha from the balcony when he came into contact with an 11-kV electricity line passing close to the building.
The contact resulted in a severe electric shock, killing him at the spot. The position of the body on the building’s ledge drew the attention of residents and prompted people to gather at the scene.
Police arrived after receiving information about the incident. The man was taken to a hospital, where medical personnel declared him dead on arrival.
Further details about the exact circumstances of the contact with the power line are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
Residents flag danger posed by high-voltage line
Local residents said the 11-kV power line runs dangerously close to the under-construction building, creating a potential hazard for people living in or accessing the property.
They have urged the electricity department to examine the situation and take appropriate action, including shifting the line or implementing necessary safety measures.
The incident has brought attention to the risks associated with high-voltage lines near residential buildings. Such lines can pose a serious danger when people, building materials or other objects come too close to the conductors.
The proximity of an electricity line to a building can be particularly concerning when balconies, terraces or other accessible areas are located nearby. Residents have called for the authorities to assess the site and determine what measures are required to reduce the risk of another accident.
However, the precise clearances between the power line and the building, and whether any safety requirements were breached, have not been established in the available information.
Police launch investigation
Police reached the scene after being alerted to the electrocution and began investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.
A case has been registered, according to the information provided. Investigators are expected to examine the incident and establish the sequence of events that led to the fatal contact with the electricity line.
The investigation may also help clarify the circumstances at the under-construction property and the concerns raised by residents about the power line’s location.
The exact findings of the police investigation have not yet been reported. No conclusion has been established regarding possible negligence or responsibility for the incident.
Incident highlights need for electrical safety
The death has renewed concerns about electrical safety around residential buildings, especially where high-voltage infrastructure is located close to balconies and other accessible spaces.
An 11-kV line carries high voltage and can cause fatal injuries if a person comes into contact with it. Dangerous contact may also occur when objects enter the line’s clearance zone, even without someone deliberately touching the conductor.
People living near overhead power lines should avoid approaching them or carrying out work near them. Any suspected electrical hazard should be reported to the electricity department rather than addressed by residents themselves.
Authorities responsible for electricity infrastructure and building safety can assess whether a line needs to be relocated, whether protective measures are required and whether the surrounding area complies with applicable safety standards.
In Vidisha, residents have specifically called on the electricity department to examine the line passing near the under-construction house and take action to prevent similar incidents.
Authorities urged to prevent similar tragedies
The death of the 60-year-old man has left residents concerned about the safety of people living near the building. While police investigate the circumstances of the electrocution, residents want the electricity department to address the reported proximity of the 11-kV line.
The incident underscores the potentially fatal consequences of coming into contact with high-voltage electricity and the importance of identifying hazards around homes and construction sites.
The exact cause and any possible responsibility for the incident will depend on the findings of the investigation. In the meantime, residents have urged the authorities to assess the location and take the necessary steps to protect people in the area.