VEHARI, March 31: Four people, including three Wapda men, sustained injuries when two concrete electric poles suddenly collapsed here on Saturday near govt girls primary school in union council No.1.

Reports said Mepco linemen Muhammad Yousaf, Abdul Rashid and assistant lineman Malik Amir Langrial were working on the poles when they collapsed along with the transformer. As a result of which the officials and a passer-by, Nasir, suffered injuries and were rushed to DHQ hospital. Rashid was referred to Nishter hospital due to his critical condition.

Eyewitnesses Abdul Rehman, Abdul Aziz, Abdul Rashed, Tariq and Muhammad Moeen told this correspondent that the Mepco Vehari circle had repeatedly been informed about the dilapidated condition of poles but no step was taken. At least six poles made of cement had reportedly collapsed in various streets of the locality during the last as many months.

A Mepco Vehari circle source said material used in poles was substandard. He said the poles had been installed about eight to 10 years back. Talking to Dawn, Mepco XEN Attaullah Bhutta said the linemen had not adopted proper safety measures before starting work.

However, the deputy director (safety) would start an inquiry during the next few days, he said.

Mr Bhutta said the company would provide all treatment facilities to the injured men free of cost and recommend compensation for them. He denied that the Mepco officials had already been informed about the condition of the cement-made poles.

He said a survey would be started during the next few days to find out the deteriorating poles, and they would be replaced with iron poles.