MOODUBIDRI: A woman and her 18-year-old son died of electrocution at Varnabettu, within the limits of Paladka Gram Panchayat in Moodubidri taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, on Thursday morning, October 22.
The deceased were identified as Mercy Mascarenhas and her son, Shawn Mascarenhas, a student at Holy Rosary College in Moodubidri. Reports have given the mother’s age as 45 and 47, while her son was identified as 18.
According to preliminary reports, the tragedy occurred while Shawn was putting clothes out to dry. It is suspected that the wire used for drying clothes came into contact with a high-voltage electrical line, causing an electric current to pass through the wire.
Mother dies while trying to save son
Shawn reportedly suffered an electric shock while handling the clothes. When Mercy noticed her son in distress, she rushed to help him. She too is believed to have suffered an electric shock while attempting to rescue him.
Both reportedly died at the spot.
The incident is believed to have occurred in the morning, although some local reports suggest it may have happened earlier and was discovered the following morning. A worker who arrived near the house for plantation work reportedly noticed the tragedy between 7 am and 8 am.
Police investigate the incident
Moodubidri police visited the spot and conducted an inspection. A case was registered, and further investigation is under way to establish the exact circumstances that led to the deaths.
The suspected contact between the clothesline and a high-voltage electrical line remains a preliminary explanation. The precise cause and any possible electrical safety lapses will need to be established through the investigation.
The incident highlights the danger posed by damaged electrical wiring and unintended contact between domestic wires and high-voltage power lines. Residents are advised to avoid touching suspected live wires or metal objects that may be carrying current and to alert the electricity department when electrical hazards are noticed.