Eskom to probe electric shocks

2007-03-01 12:22

Durban - Eskom will launch an investigation into an accident that led to the death of a 30-year-old man and the hospitalisation of a 65-year-old woman, announced the company on Thursday.

Eskom spokesperson Zethu Shezi said in a statement that Eskom was "engaging in a corporate investigation into the matter".

Muzi Mkhwanazi, 30, was electrocuted near a bottle store late on Wednesday afternoon. The woman, identified as Mariette Myaka, 65, had reportedly gone to his assistance when she too was electrocuted.

Mkhwanazi died and Myaka suffered severe burns and was taken to Empangeni's Ngwelezana Provincial hospital.

Captain Jabulani Mdletshe said on Wednesday that roadworks were being carried out in the Sokhulu Reserve area - about 30km north of Empangeni - on Tuesday when a grader accidentally knocked down a pylon leaving cables hanging on the ground.

He said: "Somehow the whole area became electrified near the bottle store."

'No response from Eskom'

Several residents who walked in certain areas suffered electric shocks.

Residents had reported the fallen power cables but there apparently had been no response from Eskom, Mdletshe said.

He added that an inquest docket had been opened.

Shezi said: "Our sincere condolences go to the families and friends of the deceased and to those who were hurt."

- SAPA