• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A Bacoleño has suffered serious burns after accidentally making contact with a high-voltage power line, while attempting a do-it-yourself internet cable installation on Wednesday at Purok Malipayon in Barangay 35, Bacolod City.
The incident, according to Negros Power, serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers of working near electrical lines without proper training and safety precautions.
The investigation of the power company indicated that the victim was attempting to install a network cable for a computer shop in the area.
While attempting to cross the street with the cable, the victim, whose identity was withheld, used a plastic bottle as a weight to guide the cable across. Unfortunately, the bottle struck an electrical primary line, resulting in the victim receiving electrical burns on his right hand, Negros Power said.
He was immediately transported to a regional hospital for treatment.
Local residents confirmed that the victim was not a trained telecommunications technician. In a statement, Negros Power said the incident highlights the critical importance of safety when working near electrical infrastructure, stressing that only qualified and trained personnel should undertake such tasks.
Improper handling of electrical lines can lead to severe injury or even death, it added.
Negros Power urged the public to exercise extreme caution and to always contact qualified technicians for any work involving electrical lines or equipment.
Attempting such work without proper training and safety gear is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all cost, it further said.*
