Tragedy Strikes Chennai: Conservancy Worker Electrocuted in Kannagi Nagar

Chennai is reeling from a tragic incident that claimed the life of a dedicated conservancy worker, S. Marimuthu (45), in the Kannagi Nagar TNHUB complex. Marimuthu, who served the Chennai Corporation on a contract basis through a private agency, was electrocuted on Tuesday afternoon while performing his duties, leaving behind a community in shock and raising pressing questions about worker safety.

The devastating event unfolded near a water pump connected to a sump within the residential complex.

Marimuthu was reportedly attempting to clear accumulated garbage in the vicinity when he came into contact with a live electrical current. The sudden, fatal shock rendered him helpless, turning a routine task into an unimaginable tragedy.

Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing moments. A co-worker, Murugesan, bravely attempted to rescue Marimuthu, only to be hit by the electrical current himself.

The powerful jolt prevented Murugesan from pulling his colleague away, forcing him to retreat, utterly helpless as Marimuthu succumbed to the fatal charge.

Following the incident, officials swiftly arrived at the scene. M. Jagan, the Chennai Corporation Commissioner, personally visited the complex to assess the situation and offer condolences.

He assured the public that the Corporation would provide necessary relief to Marimuthu’s grieving family and ensure a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to this tragic loss. Mylapore MLA Dha. Velu also visited, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

Both law enforcement and electrical authorities have launched immediate probes.

The Kannagi Nagar police have registered a case under Section 174 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, focusing on unnatural death. Concurrently, officials from Tangedco (Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation) are meticulously investigating the electrical fault that led to the electrocution, aiming to determine the exact cause and prevent future occurrences.

This heart-wrenching incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers faced by conservancy workers who tirelessly maintain our urban environments, often in challenging conditions.

As investigations proceed, the community hopes for accountability and the implementation of more robust safety measures to protect these invaluable frontline heroes, ensuring that no other family has to endure such a preventable loss.