2 electrocuted, 13 injured during shop opening in Rangpur

NN Online:
Two people were electrocuted and 13 others injured during a shop inauguration event in Rangpur’s Kaunia upazila on Sunday night.

The deceased were identified as Shahabuddin, 45, of Pirgachha upazila, and Shariful Islam, 38, of Mithapukur upazila.

Locals said a doa mahfil (prayer gathering) was being held to mark the opening of a fertilizer shop owned by Nazar Ali in the Sahabaz (Amtola) area under Balapara Union. During the event, a bamboo pole supporting the decorative canopy became electrified due to a faulty electric connection.

The sudden electric shock struck multiple attendees, leaving several injured. Locals immediately rescued the victims and took them to Kaunia Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared Shahabuddin and Shariful dead upon arrival.

Of the 13 injured, three were later referred to Rangpur Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.

Kaunia Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Md Abdul Latif Shah confirmed the incident and said an investigation is underway. Legal action will be taken after reviewing the findings.

The tragic incident has cast a pall of grief over the community, prompting calls for safer electrical arrangements at public events.