Cyclone Fengal Odisha Worker Electrocuted at Chennai ATM During Cyclone: Body Found Floating Amid Floods

In a heartbreaking incident during Cyclone Fengal’s aftermath, an Odisha worker was fatally electrocuted at an ATM kiosk in Chennai’s Muthialpet area on Saturday. The worker, identified as Chandan, originally from Odisha, was attempting to withdraw cash when he came into contact with a severed live cable wire, which caused the fatal shock. The incident took place amidst severe rainfall and flooding in Chennai caused by Cyclone Fengal.

The victim, who worked at a private showroom in Parrys, was approaching the ATM when disaster struck. As he reached the machine, he accidentally grasped an iron pole near an electrical post while opening the ATM door. The pole was exposed to live electricity, leaking from a damaged cable. Impact of the shock threw him to the ground, and although onlookers quickly rushed to his aid and took him to a nearby government hospital, he was declared dead upon arrival.

This is the tragic accident that took place at a time when Cyclone Fengal was landfalling, causing great turmoil in Tamil Nadu. Rain with flooding was reported in most parts of Chennai, leaving the city in shambles. Many streets were inundated with water, and hospital premises were also under water. Videos from the site that surfaced on social media showed Chandan's body floating in floodwaters near the ATM.

Heavy damages were caused by cyclone Fengal, which made landfall in Tamil Nadu on Saturday. Areas suffered from heavy rain showers along with strong winds resulting in floods and infrastructural destruction. Civic authorities cleared up debris day and night. However, several localities in Chennai remained flooded leaving residents and road users desperately scrambling for safety.

The Muthialpet police have registered a case, and the investigation into the incident is in progress. The authorities are examining whether the live electrical wires near public areas led to the fatal accident. Chandan's death has highlighted the urgent need for safety measures in flood-prone areas, especially during extreme weather events like Cyclone Fengal.

This tragic incident, therefore, was a consequence of there not being adequate security measures protecting the public spaces, especially during storms.

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