A Fatal Fumble: When a Ladder and a Live Wire Turned a Day into a Disaster
Who was the unlucky guy?
Meet Murugan Kothalam, a 27‑year‑old driver with a job at STIE, a firm that blends engineering and IT. Not an electrician, not a hero—just a guy who had a plan that ended up looking a lot more like a trap than a scheme.
Why the Police’s Department?
Murugan planned to make a quick buck by stealing electrical cables from the Police National Service Department. His accomplice? Ezilarasan Nagarajan, a fellow STIE electrician. They split the loot—classic “two heads are better than one” but theirs made a bad partnership.
The Day That Went Wrong
- October 15, last year: The team was supposed to dismantle non‑critical equipment like projector stands and hose reels.
- Major rule – the power at the site was still on. No one could cut or touch any cables that day.
- Murugan and Ezilarasan broke the rule by zooming up a ladder and snipping live wires.
- While standing on the ladder, Murugan’s upper body disappeared above a ceiling panel. He stayed still, probably because electricity had taken over.
- The stunned electrician hops over, swats the ladder away, and boom! The ladder shakes again—Murugan plummets to the floor.
What Behind the Numbers?
Back‑up tests revealed that Murugan was holding a metal ceiling board while using a non‑insulated cable cutter. This setup created a closed circuit that literally gave him a fatal shock.
The Verdict
The coroner, Adam Nakhoda, ruled it a tragic misadventure. The Ministry of Manpower and Energy Market Authorities confirmed the sloppy handling was the main cause.
What About Murugan’s Family?
His little son—who never had the chance to meet his dad—was left in the dark. The non‑profit ItsRainingRaincoats rallied, raising $6,841 to ease his family’s burden.
Reflection
We all know that “if you don’t smart‑watch the lights, you’ll get shocked” isn’t just a metaphor. It’s a real, deadly fact. Let’s remember—never touch live wires, never pretend to be an electrician without credentials, and above all, stay grounded.
