In a tragic accident on Sunday afternoon, three workers of the Dhaka Electricity Supply Company (DESCO) lost their lives while installing underground electrical lines in Khilgaon, the capital city’s bustling district. Two additional workers sustained serious injuries in the incident and are currently receiving medical treatment.
The accident occurred on 15 March around late afternoon in the Khapara area of Khilgaon, near a local temple. According to local sources, all the deceased and injured workers were employed through a DESCO outsourcing contractor. Emergency services rushed the victims to Kurmitola General Hospital, where three were pronounced dead on arrival, while the others are being treated in critical condition.
Details of the Deceased and Injured
| Name | Age | Hometown | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Md. Rajib Hossain | 25 | Sadar Upazila, Barguna | Deceased | Body at Kurmitola General Hospital |
| Razzak Mia | 57 | Sadar Upazila, Barguna | Deceased | Body at Kurmitola General Hospital |
| Farid Jaman | 64 | Bakshiganj Upazila, Jamalpur | Deceased | Body at Kurmitola General Hospital |
| Unknown | – | – | Seriously Injured | Receiving treatment at Kurmitola Hospital |
| Unknown | – | – | Seriously Injured | Receiving treatment at Kurmitola Hospital |
Khilgaon Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Abdul Alim, confirmed the incident, stating that the workers were lifting electrical cables from underground using a crane. During the operation, five workers accidentally came into contact with a live electrical wire from a nearby pole. Local residents quickly rescued them and transported them to the hospital.
Preliminary reports suggest that a lack of proper safety measures and insufficient caution contributed to the accident. “All the victims were subcontracted employees, and safety protocols may not have been adequately enforced,” Officer Alim said. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the mishap and whether negligence or procedural lapses were involved.
The incident has sparked concerns over workplace safety standards in high-risk electrical operations in the city. Local authorities and DESCO management are reportedly reviewing the safety protocols for underground line installations, emphasising the need for stricter enforcement of protective measures and comprehensive worker training.
Family members of the deceased have been informed, and DESCO has pledged compensation and support to the bereaved families. Meanwhile, residents in Khilgaon have called for heightened vigilance to prevent such fatal accidents in the future, citing previous near-miss incidents during underground cable work.
This accident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by electrical workers and underscores the urgent need for rigorous safety practices in all high-voltage operations.