Ministry probing shocking of GPL employee

Guyana Power and Light workers and spectators gathered at the scene yesterday where Nara Singh was shocked.
Guyana Power and Light workers and spectators gathered at the scene yesterday where Nara Singh was shocked.

The Occupational Health and Safety Department of the Ministry of Social Protection has launched an investigation into the shocking of a Guyana Power and Light (GPL) employee, a source from the department has confirmed.

The source noted that they have not been able to speak to the victim as yet, but they have launched an investigation after learning of the incident.

The employee, Nara Singh, 34, of Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara, is said to be recovering at the Burn Unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital. The extent of Singh’s injuries remains unknown.

The Guyana Power and Light in statement last Monday had stated that at the time of the accident maintenance activities were being carried out on one of their 13.8 kV feeders.  The release added that the employee was badly burnt and is currently hospitalized.

It also stated that the company had launched an independent investigation.

Stabroek News was told that the incident occurred sometime around 11.40 am, when Singh unknowingly picked up a live wire. Eyewitnesses say that they heard a buzzing sound and before they knew it Singh was lying motionless on the ground.

This newspaper was told that after coming into contact with the wire Singh was tossed at least three feet away from the point of impact. He was then picked up by his co-workers who placed him in a Kitty/Campbellville minibus and rushed him to the hospital.