Sheer negligence?

Questions over negligence and failure to follow proper maintenance procedures mount as authorities conduct investigations into the electrocution of three soldiers in Gintota last Monday

by Mahinda P. Liyanage (Galle Central Special Correspondent)

Gintota accident

A high tension electric cable carrying 11KV of power fell on a vehicle near the Railway Station Junction at Gintota on the Colombo- Matara highway, killing three persons last Monday (November 2). Three other soldiers were admitted to the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital with minor injuries. The individuals were soldiers attached to its Galle Boossa camp on a driving lesson.

Sources from Lanka Electricity Company (Pvt) Ltd. (LECO) admitted safety of the public may have been compromised as some vital safety measures that should be taken over the high tension cable going across populated areas had not been taken by the company.

"Even the devices installed to interrupt the supply of power in case of emergency have not functioned properly. The 're-closer' fixed to the high tension power connection had not worked properly," the official explained.

As per internationally accepted standards, high tension power cables should be under ground in 'sensitive areas'. However, in Sri Lanka all cables are drawn above ground level except for Colombo city, the source highlighted.

However, General Manager Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), Chandrasiri Wickramasekara claimed that overhead lines are a norm in many countries and added that proper maintenance activities are carried out on time by the Board and LECO.

Negligence not rule out

"Both the Electricity Board and LECO have the technical knowhow and the equipment to carry out regular maintenance activities. There cannot be a lapse anywhere. Some unfortunate accidents which occur cannot be prevented," he claimed adding that this may be one such incident.

However, he said the investigation has not ruled out negligence on the part of the company.

"We have not concluded our investigations yet, so we have not determined the cause of the accident. We will also investigate to establish if the company and those who are responsible have responded as per procedures, " he assured.

The delayed response of the Lanka Electricity Company (LECO) unit in Gintota, even after being informed of the accident has come under criticism of the residents in the area.

According to many residents, LECO arrived at the accident scene over one hour later, keeping other emergency response teams waiting.

"We informed the LECO as soon as the incident happened but they came even after Police and the Galle Municipal Council Fire Brigade had arrived. The fire brigade had to wait more than one hour for the LECO team," claimed G. T. Wimalasena, a resident of Gintota who witnessed the accident.

LECO's failure

Leelawathi

Recalling the incident, D. G. Sumanawathi confirmed the delay. "I was in house when suddenly three people ran in. They collapsed on the floor yelling that their van got electrocuted. After noticing three more men lying on the ground near a van, which was on fire, we found the telephone number of LECO from an electricity bill and called them. But they did come for a long time" she claimed.

Residents allege that LECO has failed in carrying out proper maintenance despite being notified repeatedly.

"These cables are loosely connected. We often notice electric sparks on these cables. Although the LECO is duly notified over these dangerous situations they did not heed to our repeated requests. The lines are open to salty sea breeze, so they need regular maintenance," Wimalasena claimed.

High tension power cables are used for the bulk transmission of electric energy from power plants to electrical substations located near demand centres for power distribution.

The magisterial inquiry into the deaths of three Army personnel was performed by Galle Additional Magistrate Kesara Samaraddivakara at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital on Wednesday. On completion of the magisterial inquiry, Additional Magistrate ordered the Judicial Medical officer to carry out the autopsy into the deaths and hand over the bodies to their relatives.

The Galle police are carrying out a separate investigation.