1,133 deaths due to electrocution in five years; animal not safe either

KOTTAYAM: 1,133 people have died due to electrocution in Kerala in the last five years. There were 1,844 accidents. 741 people were injured. Three people lost their lives in a week. According to the Electrical Inspectorate, an average of 220 people die due to electric shock in a year.

Deaths are more common during the rainy season. Most accidents and deaths occur due to broken power lines, iron rods and ladders falling on power lines, and during maintenance work. Fires due to short circuits have also increased. Deaths due to electric shock are highest in Palakkad, Thrissur, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram districts.

The number of animals dying from electrocution has also increased. 335 animals have died in the past five years. Five years ago, the average number of animals dying from electrocution was 50, but now it has increased to over 65.

Deaths from electrocution

2020-2021: 242

2021-22: 236

2022-23: 209

2023-24: 205

2024-25: 241

Causes of accidents

1. Electric shock from unsafe power lines and equipment
2. Due to unsafe handling of electrical equipment
3. While using non-functional equipment
4. From unauthorized electric fences

''KSEB should behave responsibly. They should be ready for changes including reforms

-Dijo Kappan,

Public activist