SAHIWAL: Two private mechanics were electrocuted while repairing a dysfunctional 200KV Mepco transformer at village 90/6-R on Wednesday afternoon.

Sources said the mechanics were privately hired and began the repair work without adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs), particularly the step of shutting off the electricity supply before handling the transformer.

Mepco Superintendent Engineer Abdul Nazir Fani stated that an inquiry will be conducted to determine the cause of the incident. Pending the investigation, Lineman Sharif and Line Superintendent Riaz have been suspended for their involvement.

The transformer, which provided electricity to landlord Maaz Chaudhry and a private housing colony, malfunctioned earlier in the day. In response, local colony owners, in coordination with the lineman and line superintendent, arranged for private mechanics Shan and Adnan to repair the transformer.

Despite obtaining construction wing permissions for the repair, the mechanics failed to ensure that the main electricity line was deactivated before commencing their work.

Experts suggest that as the line was not closed, electricity from a “backup load” electrocuted the mechanics, leading to their immediate death.

Abdul Nazir Fani told Dawn that the Mepco would conduct an inquiry as per procedures.

HATE SPEECH: A prayer leader was booked for making hate speech and spreading anti-government talk from mosque loudspeaker here at village 27/11-L, Tehsil Chichawatni.

Gahziabad Police have registered a case against Molvi Bashir Ahmed on the compliant of ASI Ghulam Asger.

Published in Dawn, January 9th, 2025