KATHMANDU: An electrician working in Solukhumbu, Bishnu Rai, tragically died due to electrocution while performing maintenance work near an electric wire in Salleri, the district headquarters. The incident occurred on a Saturday afternoon when Rai was trimming trees near the wires. Despite being rushed to Phaplu Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. Rai, aged 43, was a senior technician with the Salleri Chialsa Electricity Company (SCECO) and had been with the company since February 2010. Originally from Lokhim, Thulung Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality-9, Rai's passing is a significant loss to the local community.
In addition to Rai's death, three other individuals sustained injuries during the incident. Buddhi Raj Bhandari, a 30-year-old technical assistant with SCECO from Solududhkund Municipality-6, along with Tasi Sherpa, 34, and Kumar Basnet, 51, were also affected by the electrocution. They are currently receiving medical care at Phaplu Hospital. The SCECO financial officer, Mem Kumari Maskey, confirmed that efforts are underway to transport the injured to Kathmandu by helicopter for more advanced medical treatment.
Despite the severity of the incident, the Solukhumbu police have withheld specific details regarding the circumstances surrounding the electrocution and the identities of the injured and deceased individuals. Even though Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Chandra Kuber Khapung was deployed to investigate the event, the police have remained reticent about sharing information. This lack of transparency has led to questions and concerns from the local community and those affected by the incident.
The aftermath of the tragedy is currently being handled by the Salleri Chialsa Electricity Company, which supplies electricity to about 3,400 households in the Salleri district and its environs. The deceased person's body, Bishnu Rai, is being kept in the mortuary of the district hospital pending additional examination. In addition to focusing on protecting the safety and wellbeing of the injured workers, the company and the community are lamenting Rai's passing and highlighting the importance of strict safety protocols in electrical maintenance work.
