A Cuban construction worker died and two of his colleagues received multiple burns after a metal scaffolding came into contact with electricty power lines outside a building at Plantation Houston, East Bank Demerara on Tuesday.
The names of the Cuban national and the others injured have not been released but media reports said that the scaffold’s wheels appeared to have not been locked in, and as the men were working, it rolled back onto the power lines. All three men suffered massive electric shock, with the Cuban national, who was pronounced dead at the scene, suffering the most injuries. The media reports said that on coming into contact with the power line, he was pitched onto the ground with his clothes on fire as the electricity from the power lines ripped through his body.
Some other workers eventually attempted to assist by using a fire extinguisher as emergency medical teams were summoned. The two other men were rushed to the hospital.
In a statement, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) company said it is aware of the ‘tragic accident…where scaffolding reportedly rolled away from a building and came into contact with one of our 13.8 kV primary distribution lines.
‘The incident regrettably resulted in the death of one person and injuries to at least two others.
GPL extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time,’ it said, expressing sympathy also ‘ to those injured and hopes for their full and speedy recovery.
‘GPL strongly reminds contractors, workers and members of the public to exercise extreme caution when operating near the Company’s electrical lines, poles and other network infrastructure. Appropriate safety measures must always be maintained to prevent similar tragedies.’