Electricity kills boy and his uncle in Ekangala
The child’s uncle rushed to help the boy, but was also electrocuted.
A 12-year-old boy and his uncle were electrocuted while harvesting avocados in Ekangala on Saturday, August 14.
The boy was apparently using a steel pipe with a wire to pluck the avos from a tree when he made contact with an electricity overhead line and was electrocuted.
The child’s uncle rushed to help the boy, but was also electrocuted.
Paramedics declared them both dead on the scene.
The police and Eskom are investigating the incident.
“We are saddened by the loss of life, particularly in this manner,” said Mr Kith Maitisa, SHEQS manager of Eskom in Gauteng.
“We consistently try to prevent such incidents by educating members of the public on electricity safety. It is even more regretful that this incident happens during Eskom’s National Electricity Safety Month where we raise awareness about the safe use of electricity and encourage families and communities to stop unsafe electricity practices.”
Mr Maitisa said trees growing under power lines can be fatally dangerous.
“We wish to discourage communities from planting trees under power lines and to report to us if they see any trees touching the electricity lines,” said Mr Maitisa.
The public is further encouraged to report any persons interfering with the electricity network and those conducting any illegal activities, to the Eskom Crime Line on 0800 11 27 22.
