JAMMALAMADUGU (CUDDAPAH DT.): Alleged negligence by Transco officials in re-aligning a 11 kv electric line, which slipped to a low level due to gales on Monday, resulted in 11 deaths from electrocution when the wire came in touch with an APSRTC bus at Ponnampalle in Mylavaram mandal on Wednesday.

A porcelain insulator partially broke due to rain and gales on Monday and the wire dangerously dangled at a low height. Some villagers of Ponnampalle claimed to have informed Transco officials on Tuesday after the wires came down.

The area was lashed by rain and gales on Tuesday night, furthering lowering the wires. No Transco official took interest in restoring them to their original height, the villagers told officials.

Action sought

After announcement of ex gratia at the Jammalamadugu Government Hospital, some villagers sought action against Transco officials for negligence. The Proddatur MLA, N. Varadarajulu Reddy, assured action following a magisterial enquiry by the Jammalamadugu RDO, Y. Ramachandra Reddy.

Low-lying electric wires and wires that got snapped and were left lying on the ground frequently caused deaths of farmers due to electrocution in various parts of the district.

The villagers alleged negligence of Transco officials in rectification works.

The Mydukur MLA, D.L. Ravindra Reddy, too alleged gross negligence by Transco officials, particularly in rural areas.

The TDP district president, R. Ramesh Kumar Reddy, TDP leaders P. Lakshmidevamma and Muralidhar Reddy, consoled the bereaved families.

Ex gratia

The APSRTC Executive Director, Y. Vijaya Kumar, and Cuddapah Regional Manager, M. Ravinder, visited the hospital and announced ex gratia of Rs. 50,000 to each of the deceased. They gave immediate assistance of Rs. 1,000 to four injured persons and said the RTC would bear their medical expenses.

The incharge District Panchayat Officer, Dayakar Reddy, Parishad Education Officer, Satyanarayana Murthy, and Mylavaram MDO, Konda Reddy, disbursed Rs. 2,000 towards funeral expenses to the families of two teachers and village secretary.

In a preliminary enquiry, the bus driver, M. Venkateswarlu, admitted that he did not notice the low-lying 11 kv line, as a few children were playing on the roadside, Mr. Ravinder said.

He assured a departmental enquiry and appropriate action.

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