Mysuru: A 32-year-old Junior Powerman attached to the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) suffered severe electrical burns while carrying out maintenance work at Jockey Quarters near Kurubarahalli Circle in Mysuru. The incident left him critically injured and resulted in severe damage to his left upper limb and other parts of his body.
The employee, identified as M. Karthik, a native of Nanjapura village in Hunsur taluk, was serving under the CESC Vidyaranyapuram Division. He was reportedly working on an electric pole on Tuesday when the accident occurred at around 12.45 pm while he was climbing down after completing maintenance work.
Karthik was immediately rushed to a private hospital on Bannur Road, where he underwent emergency surgery. He is currently being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and remains in critical but stable condition, according to a hospital health bulletin.
Severe injuries after electrical accident
According to the report, Karthik suffered extensive electrical burns after coming into contact with electricity while descending from the pole. The injuries were severe and required immediate surgical intervention.
The hospital said the patient suffered extensive third- to fourth-degree electrical burns involving both upper limbs, the abdomen and legs. He underwent emergency surgery involving extensive debridement, disarticulation of the left upper limb, right wrist amputation and abdominal wall debridement.
Doctors said Karthik continues to require intensive care and medication to maintain his blood pressure. His condition is being closely monitored by a team of doctors.
CESC Managing Director M.S. Archana said Karthik had undergone surgery and that his condition was stable while he continued treatment in the ICU.
Incident occurred during maintenance work
Karthik had climbed the electric pole as part of maintenance work. Sources cited in the report said he was electrocuted at approximately 12.45 pm while climbing down after the work.
Some of his colleagues later raised questions about the circumstances that led to the accident. They said a power shutdown had been taken at DK Grounds Power Station, following which employees were deployed for maintenance activities.
According to the colleagues, electricity was being supplied through Jyothinagar Power Station and they alleged that this may have contributed to the accident. They said the electric shock occurred while Karthik was descending from the pole.
These claims are part of the circumstances being examined by CESC, and the exact cause of the accident has not yet been established.
CESC forms three-member fact-finding committee
Following the incident, CESC Managing Director M.S. Archana constituted a three-member Fact Finding Committee to investigate the accident.
The committee comprises P. Chikkasiddegowda, Deputy General Manager (TA&QC), CESC, Mysuru; G. Ramachandrarao, Assistant Executive Engineer, L.T. Rating Sub-Division, Mysuru; and Syed Abdul Rahim, Assistant Executive Engineer, Vigilance Squad, Chamarajanagar Division.
The committee has been directed to conduct a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident and determine whether it was caused by a technical problem, an error or any lapse in duty.
The committee has been asked to submit its report to the CESC Managing Director within three days. Its members visited the accident site at Jockey Quarters on Wednesday and began collecting information as part of the inquiry.
The investigation is expected to examine the power supply arrangements, maintenance procedures and safety measures followed at the site before the accident.
CESC employees seek action and safety measures
Following news of the accident, hundreds of CESC employees gathered at the hospital where Karthik was undergoing treatment.
Employees demanded action against those found responsible for the incident. KPTCL Employees Association Vice-President Sandeep urged the workers not to lose patience or resort to blaming one another while the circumstances were being investigated.
He said the association would extend necessary support to the employees and prayed for Karthik’s speedy recovery.
Sandeep also stressed the importance of following safety procedures during maintenance work. He urged employees not to undertake work without taking appropriate safety measures and said work pressure should not take precedence over worker safety.
The incident has consequently brought renewed attention to the risks faced by electricity workers who carry out maintenance and repair activities around live electrical infrastructure.
Young employee has nine-month-old son
Karthik has been married for three years and has a nine-month-old son. According to the report, the family had recently conducted the child’s naming ceremony.
The serious nature of the accident has therefore raised concern among Karthik’s colleagues and family members as he continues treatment in the ICU.
The hospital has described his condition as critical but stable. Doctors are continuing to monitor him closely following the extensive injuries and emergency surgery.
Hospital continues close monitoring
The medical bulletin issued by Cauvery Heart and Multi-Speciality Hospital in Siddarthanagar stated that Karthik remains under vigilant monitoring.
Dr H.S. Manjunath Bhargava, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at the hospital, said the patient had suffered extensive electrical burns affecting both upper limbs, the abdomen and legs.
The emergency surgery included procedures to remove damaged tissue and address the severe injuries to his limbs and abdominal wall. The hospital said he remains in the ICU and continues to receive medication to maintain blood pressure.
Doctors have described his condition as critical but stable, indicating that he remains in a serious condition but is currently stable under intensive medical care.
Probe to determine cause of accident
The CESC inquiry will now focus on establishing what led to the electrical shock and whether there were any lapses in the maintenance process.
The Fact Finding Committee has been asked to determine whether the incident resulted from a technical snag or error, or from any dereliction of duty. Its three-day deadline means a preliminary report is expected shortly.
The findings could also help establish whether existing safety procedures were followed and whether any changes are required to prevent similar incidents involving electricity workers.
Until the committee completes its investigation, the allegations made by some colleagues regarding the power supply arrangements remain unverified.
Focus on worker safety
The accident has highlighted the importance of strict safety procedures for personnel involved in electrical maintenance. Electricity-related maintenance work can involve significant risks, particularly when power supply arrangements and shutdown procedures are involved.
The CESC management’s decision to constitute a fact-finding committee indicates that the circumstances of the accident will be formally examined. The committee’s findings will be important in establishing what happened and whether corrective measures are required.
For now, Karthik continues to receive intensive medical treatment. His colleagues and the employees’ association have expressed support for his recovery while awaiting the outcome of the investigation.
Conclusion
The severe electrical accident involving CESC Junior Powerman M. Karthik has left him critically injured and undergoing intensive treatment at a Mysuru hospital. The accident occurred while he was reportedly climbing down an electric pole after maintenance work at Jockey Quarters.
CESC has formed a three-member Fact Finding Committee to determine the exact cause of the incident and examine whether there were technical or procedural lapses. The committee has visited the site and has been asked to submit its report within three days.
Meanwhile, Karthik remains in the ICU in critical but stable condition as doctors continue to monitor his recovery.