The van hit a downed power line, catching fire in the process and injuring its occupants.
BINTULU: Initial investigations by Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) over the incident involving a van driver and school children at the Pan Borneo Highway work site in Tatau on Tuesday showed that earthing cables was cut.
During the incident, a 55-year-old woman was transporting five children, including her son, to the nearby schools when the van hit a downed power line, resulting in the vehicle catching on fire and inflicting severe burns to the woman.
The victim suffered 53 per cent burns to her body and fell into a coma, while her 11-year-old son is in stable condition. The four other children managed to escape unhurt.
“The incident also led to the loss of supply to the whole of Tatau town, including Tatau Clinic from 7am. Supply to Tatau Town was restored at 9am, while the electricity to Tatau Clinic was restored at 1pm,” SEB said.
SEB in a statement today said the cable was believed to have been vandalised after thieves attempted to steal it, resulting in the failure of the cable’s safety measures and leaving the line energised during the incident.
The company also advised the public to stay at least five metres or 15 feet away from any fallen lines and always assume every fallen power line is energised and to alert SEB immediately for assistance at 1300 88 3111.
A fallen line creates a voltage change on the ground surface, and movements such as walking or running near the lines could cause electrocution as electricity can travel through the body.
In the event of fallen lines on vehicles, the public are advised to remain inside the vehicle until help arrives and alert others to keep clear and not to touch the vehicle.
If one must leave the vehicle due to other dangers such as fire, jump away from the vehicle with both feet on the ground at the same time.
Always continue to keep your feet together on the ground by jumping away at least 10 metres from the site, SEB cautioned.