Cox’s Bazar, 2 February – Tragedy struck in Chokoria Upazila on Monday when two construction workers were electrocuted while working on the third floor of a building under construction. The incident occurred around 12:00 PM near Khutakhali Market.
The deceased have been identified as Lal Muhit Uddin, also known as Sagar (33), son of Abu Taher, and Mohammad Usman (19), son of Mohammad Johar. Both hailed from Gorjantoli village in Khutakhali Union.
Khutakhali Union Parishad Chairman Abdur Rahman confirmed the accident, stating that the workers came into contact with an 11,000-volt live wire while performing plastering work on the building’s upper floor. Local residents rushed the injured to Malumghat Christian Memorial Hospital, but doctors pronounced both men dead upon arrival.
Eyewitnesses reported that three workers were initially on site. Lal Muhit Uddin was the first to make contact with the live wire, followed shortly by Usman, who was also electrocuted. Residents on site acted swiftly to pull the men to safety and transport them to hospital, but unfortunately, their efforts could not save the victims.
Chokoria Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Md. Monir Hossain, confirmed that the bodies have been handed over to the families. He added that police would proceed with legal action based on the families’ complaints.
The deaths have sent shockwaves through the local community, raising concerns over construction safety standards. Many residents allege that proper safety measures, including maintaining a safe distance from high-voltage wires and using appropriate protective equipment, were not observed during the work. Experts emphasise that adherence to safety protocols and the use of insulated tools and barriers are essential to prevent such fatal accidents.
The following table summarises the key details of the victims:
| Name | Age | Father’s Name | Village | Work Location | Time of Incident |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lal Muhit Uddin (Sagar) | 33 | Abu Taher | Gorjantoli | Third-floor plastering | 12:00 PM |
| Mohammad Usman | 19 | Mohammad Johar | Gorjantoli | Third-floor plastering | 12:00 PM |
Local residents have expressed fears that without stricter enforcement of safety regulations, similar incidents could occur in the future. Authorities and construction experts alike stress the importance of regular safety audits, protective gear, and proper training for all workers handling high-risk tasks.