Family Blames Neglected Electrical Infrastructure for Son’s Fatal Electrocution in Rampanalgas

The family of 20-year-old Jesus Maharaj is demanding answers following his tragic death due to electrocution in Balandra, Rampanalgas. Maharaj, a fisherman by trade, was reportedly electrocuted on June 11 when he came into contact with a live electrical wire outside their home. His mother, Stephanie Charles, believes that years of neglected electrical infrastructure played a significant role in her son’s untimely demise.

According to Charles, the tragedy occurred when high-voltage power lines fell onto their house, igniting a fire. In the ensuing chaos, Maharaj was electrocuted while trying to escape the burning house. Charles has attributed this tragic incident to what she describes as long-standing problems with the area’s electrical infrastructure, including unresolved concerns about the condition of the power lines.

The incident has sparked renewed safety concerns among local residents regarding the aging electrical infrastructure. The community is questioning whether sufficient maintenance is being carried out in vulnerable areas, especially in light of their repeated, unaddressed concerns.

In a somewhat disconcerting development, Maharaj’s funeral, initially scheduled for Wednesday, has been postponed until Monday. However, in a move that could be seen as an acknowledgment of responsibility, the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) has agreed to bear the full cost of the funeral.

As of now, no official details regarding the circumstances surrounding Maharaj’s death or any ongoing investigation have been made available.