A Bacolod City resident suffered serious burns after accidentally coming in contact with a high-voltage power line while attempting to install an internet cable at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 14.
The incident, serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers of working near electrical lines without proper training and safety precautions, a press release from the Negros Electric and Power Corp. said.
A male resident, whose name was withheld, of Purok Baybay, Barangay 35, was attempting to install a WiFi cable for a computer shop at Rodriguez Avenue, the press release said.
While attempting to cross the street with the cable, he used a plastic bottle as a weight to guide the cable across.
The bottle, however, hit an electrical primary line causing the victim to suffer burns on his right hand. He was immediately transported to a hospital, the press release said.
Residents confirmed that the victim was not a trained telecommunications technician, it said.
“This incident highlights the critical importance of safety when working near electrical infrastructure. Only qualified and trained personnel should undertake such tasks,“ Negros Power said.
Improper handling of electrical lines can lead to severe injury or even death, it warned.
Negros Power urges the public to always contact qualified technicians for any work involving electrical lines or equipment.*