Hyderabad electrocution incidents: Death toll rises to 9 with latest mishap in Lothkunta

Worker dies in Lothkunta mishap

The deceased, identified as Lucky Gaikwad (34), was electrocuted after the metal step ladder he was using came into contact with a live wire. Police said Lucky collapsed immediately and sustained a fatal head injury as he fell with the ladder.

Two others, who were assisting him in removing the decorations, suffered minor injuries. Trimulgherry police said the group was allegedly in an inebriated condition when the incident occurred. A case has been booked, and investigation is ongoing.

Ramanthapur tragedy during Janmashtami

The most devastating incident of the week took place in Ramanthapur on August 17th night, when a 10-foot Krishna Janmashtami chariot touched a live overhead wire. Five men died instantly, while four others sustained injuries.

The deceased were identified as Rajendra Reddy (48), Srikanth Reddy (35), Rudra Vikas (39), Suresh Yadav (34) and Krishna alias Diamond Yadav (21).

Police said the group had taken permission for the procession, but after their towing vehicle broke down, they attempted to carry the metal chariot manually.

The mishap occurred around midnight in RTC Colony. Four others, Ganesh (21), Surva Ravindar Yadav, Mahesh (27) and V. Srinivas (55), was injured.

Bandlaguda mishap while transporting Ganesh idol

In Bandlaguda, two youngsters lost their lives while transporting a Ganesh idol from Lakshmi Nagar to Puranapul. According to police, the accident occurred when the tractor carrying the idol reportedly came into contact with a high-tension wire.

The victims were identified as Doni (21) and Vikas (20), who died on the spot. Another person was critically injured and rushed to a nearby hospital, where his condition remains serious.

However, Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL) officials offered a different version. SE Sriram Mohan (Rajendranagar Circle) clarified that the idol being transported was around 23 feet tall, and the victims fell off the moving trolley, sustaining fatal injuries.

He further stated that the 33 kV line overhead neither snapped nor sagged, and denied any negligence on the part of the department.

Amberpet incident during festival preparations

Another incident was reported in Amberpet, where one person died while erecting a pandal for the upcoming Ganesh festival.

Timeline of Tragedies (August 17–23)

Ramanthapur (Aug. 17): 5 dead, 4 injured during Janmashtami chariot procession.

Bandlaguda (Aug. 19): 2 dead, 1 critical while transporting Ganesh idol.

Amberpet (Aug. 21): 1 dead while erecting pandal.

Lothkunta (Aug. 23): 1 dead, 2 injured while dismantling wedding decorations

Civic authorities respond

Following the spate of incidents, officials from the TGSPDCL and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) acknowledged the need for urgent safety measures.

A senior TGSPDCL officer said that citizens must exercise extreme caution while organising religious and social events.

“Overhead power lines are dangerous. We advise organisers not to erect pandals, move idols, or use metal structures near live wires. Permissions must include prior coordination with electricity authorities to ensure safety,” he said.

GHMC officials said they would soon launch an awareness campaign ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi. “Public safety is the priority. We are planning joint inspections with electricity staff in sensitive areas,” a GHMC zonal commissioner added.

Safety advisories issued

Authorities have urged citizens to follow these precautions to avoid further tragedies:

• Avoid carrying tall chariots, idols or metal structures near overhead power lines.
• Ensure prior intimation to electricity authorities for any procession or public event.
• Use wooden or insulated ladders instead of metal ladders for decorations.
• Organisers must conduct safety checks and avoid working under the influence of alcohol.
• Keep children and bystanders away during pandal erection, dismantling, or procession activities.