A major electrical mishap was reported from Paralakhemundi in Odisha’s Gajapati district, where a 30-year-old contract employee narrowly escaped death while carrying out repair work on a live power line on Wednesday. 

The incident occurred at Keuta Sahi Chhak amid ongoing maintenance work prompted by local electricity issues.

According to information, the worker, identified as Aju Nayak, was engaged in repair work on an electric pole when a sudden contact with an inverter line reportedly caused him to collapse onto the live wire.

Other employees working nearby immediately rushed to the spot, climbed the pole and rescued the unconscious worker. 

Swift Action by Colleagues Saves Life

Officials said the quick response and presence of mind of fellow workers played a crucial role in saving Aju Nayak’s life. 

Sanjay Mohapatra, an eyewitness said, “I was passing through the area when I noticed a crowd gathered. I saw an electrician hanging from the electric pole. Two people immediately rescued him, and I began performing CPR. Meanwhile, an ambulance was informed and dispatched to the spot.”

Manoj Majhi, his co-worker said, “An inverter line came into contact with the overhead wire on the pole, causing him to suffer an electric shock. He was immediately rescued from the spot.”

Condition Stable, Further Treatment Possible

At present, Aju Nayak’s health condition is reported to be stable. Electricity Department Executive Engineer Bijay Kumar stated that if required, the injured worker will be referred to a higher medical centre for advanced treatment.

“Electricians were carrying out repair work at the site. He is suspected to have been affected by induction current from an inverter, though this will be confirmed after further inquiry. After receiving primary treatment, he has been kept under observation,” he said.

Further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.