Two Farmers Electrocuted by Torn Power Line in Fatikchhari

Two farmers lost their lives after being electrocuted by a snapped overhead electricity line whilst working in a paddy field in Fatikchhari upazila, Chittagong. The tragic incident occurred at approximately 3:00 pm on Sunday, 19 July, in the Fatikchhari Beel area under Ward 1 of Paindong Union.

The deceased were identified as Yunus, 45, son of Mahbub Alam, and Hashem, 48, son of Abul Kashem. Both victims were residents of the Mirer Khil area within the neighbouring Bhujpur Union. The sudden deaths of the two men, who were breadwinners for their respective households, have cast a profound pall of gloom over their village.

According to local accounts, Yunus and Hashem were engaged in transplanting rice seedlings in the waterlogged field. Without warning, an active overhead electricity cable snapped and fell directly into the mud and water where they were standing. The water instantly conducted the high-voltage electrical current, electrocuting both men simultaneously. They collapsed on the spot and succumbed to their injuries almost immediately.

Alerted by the commotion, neighbouring farmers rushed to the scene to render assistance, but the victims were already beyond saving. Local residents later recovered the bodies from the field and transported them back to their families.

Law enforcement officials from both local jurisdictions responded to the crisis. Rabiul Alam Khan, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Fatikchhari Police Station, confirmed that a team had visited the site to assess the situation and that necessary official measures would be taken.

Providing further clarification, Vipul Chandra Dey, the Officer-in-Charge of Bhujpur Police Station, stated that whilst the accident took place within the territorial jurisdiction of Fatikchhari, the deceased were inhabitants of Bhujpur. He noted that the bodies had been brought to their ancestral homes and assured that all standard legal procedures would be rigorously followed.

An official from the local Palli Bidyut Samity stated that emergency technical teams were dispatched to the site to isolate the power supply immediately after learning of the electrocution. A formal investigation has been launched to determine the precise cause of the cable failure. The official emphasised that strict administrative action will be taken if any technical negligence or maintenance lapses are uncovered during the inquiry.

The utility representative also urged the public to exercise extreme caution during adverse weather conditions. Citizens have been advised to maintain a safe distance from any fallen or sagging electrical lines and to report such hazards immediately to the Palli Bidyut authorities to prevent similar industrial and rural accidents.