Electricity becoming death trap: 815 lives lost in four years

KOZHIKODE: 815 lives were lost in electrical accidents in Kerala in the last four years. According to KSEB, 2076 accidents occurred from 2021 to April. 744 civilians, 28 KSEB employees and 43 contract employees died. 465 civilians were injured. In 2025, 48 people died in 129 accidents.

235 animals also died due to shock from electric fences and broken wires. Most accidents occurred when metal poles and ladders were used near power lines. 86 people died in this way. 112 people were injured. Most accidents are in the Ernakulam region. Accidents also occur due to fishing and illegal construction in areas where power lines have broken. Suicide attempts are also being made.

Most accidents are due to non-compliance with safety standards. Using poor quality plastic insulated wire and related equipment in homes and buildings can be dangerous. It is also unsafe to operate multiple devices on one plug.

Public awareness will be created

KSEB is conducting awareness campaigns and distributing pamphlets among the public to prevent accidents. Officials are inspecting the work site to ensure safety. People can call 9496010101 in case of emergency like broken electric wires.

Cause of accident ...................................Death........Injury

Using a metal object near a power line.........86...............111

Due to a broken power line .........................35 ................33

Electrocution from a broken line .................32.................57

Attempted suicide........................................28.................45

Cutting down trees......................................15.................34

Falling from posts........................................26 ..............147

While putting up light decorations...............10................13

Fishing........................................................04

Year...............................Humans....................Animal (death)

2021..................................206..................................86

2022..................................181..................................65

2023..................................172..................................30

2024.................................208..................................47

April 2025..........................48...................................07