TURA, May 27: The death of a Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL) lineman while restoring electricity supply in Tura has triggered widespread shock and grief across the region, with disturbing visuals from the site circulating on social media.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the risks faced by frontline electricity workers who operate under hazardous conditions, especially during storms and monsoon-related disruptions.
Following the powerful storm that lashed Tura on the night of May 25, several parts of the town and adjoining areas were left without power after strong winds uprooted trees and damaged multiple electricity lines. MePDCL teams were deployed immediately to restore supply across affected locations.
Among those on duty was 43-year-old lineman Dalben Ch. Momin of Megongre, who had served the department for nearly 23 years. According to sources, after carrying out continuous restoration work across different sectors, Dalben was electrocuted while repairing a tripped power line at Dachima in Edenbari at around 1:30 pm on May 26.
He is survived by his wife and three children. Departmental sources said an ex-gratia amount of Rs 52,000 has been provided to the family as per existing norms. The postmortem examination was conducted on May 26, while the last rites were performed on Tuesday.
Speaking to Hub News, P.T. Sangma, Executive Engineer of Tura Distribution Division, MePDCL, described Dalben as one of the department’s most sincere and punctual workers.
“We have lost a very dedicated lineman. The incident is extremely unfortunate and heartbreaking for everyone in the division,” Sangma said.
He explained that Dalben was engaged in restoration work when the accident occurred. According to colleagues present at the site, the team had confirmed that shutdown clearance had been taken before work began. However, one colleague reportedly wanted to reconfirm the shutdown status from the control room. Before the reconfirmation could be completed, Dalben had already climbed the pole and was electrocuted.
Another MePDCL staff member, requesting anonymity, said field workers often face immense pressure from the public during prolonged power outages, particularly during the monsoon season.
“Teams carry out back-to-back restoration work under extremely difficult conditions. Even a small mistake can prove fatal,” the staff member said.
Sources within the department said pressure on field staff and officers increases significantly during adverse weather conditions, with personnel frequently kept on standby as storms and heavy rains continue to damage power infrastructure.
Officials said the Senior Electrical Inspector will conduct an enquiry into the incident. The district administration has also assured that concerns regarding safety protocols and working conditions for linemen and field staff will be taken up with the concerned department.
The tragedy has renewed serious concerns over the safety mechanisms available to frontline electricity workers who routinely risk their lives to restore essential services.
Notably, a similar incident had recently occurred in Dalu, where another lineman was electrocuted but survived after a local resident climbed the pole and rescued him in time.
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