A routine cleaning assignment turned into a fatal accident in Uttar Pradesh's Hardoi district after a sanitation worker allegedly died of electrocution while opening the door of a State Bank of India (SBI) ATM. The incident took place in Shahabad town, where the victim reportedly came to clean the ATM kiosk as part of his daily duties.
According to initial reports, the worker received a powerful electric shock the moment he touched and opened the cabin door, collapsing on the spot. Local residents immediately rushed to help and took him to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Eyewitnesses Describe Panic at the Scene
The sudden collapse created panic among bystanders, who initially struggled to understand what had happened. Witnesses claimed the ATM door appeared to be carrying an electric current, leading to suspicions of an electrical fault inside or around the kiosk. People present at the scene alerted the police and local authorities, while the area was temporarily secured to prevent any further mishap.
The incident has raised concerns over the safety of public ATM facilities, particularly those accessed daily by customers and maintenance staff.
Police Begin Investigation
Police reached the spot soon after receiving information and sent the body for post-mortem examination. Officials have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the electrocution. Authorities are expected to examine the ATM's electrical wiring, earthing system, and maintenance records to establish whether negligence or a technical failure led to the fatal accident. Statements of eyewitnesses and bank personnel are also being recorded as part of the inquiry.
Questions Over ATM Safety
The tragedy has once again highlighted the importance of regular electrical safety inspections at public infrastructure such as ATM kiosks. Experts note that faulty wiring, poor earthing, water seepage during the monsoon, or inadequate maintenance can create dangerous electrical hazards. If any negligence is established, action may be initiated against those responsible for maintaining the ATM facility.
Awaiting Official Findings
The identity of the deceased has been confirmed as a sanitation worker assigned to clean the ATM premises. While preliminary reports indicate electrocution as the cause of death, officials have stated that the exact reason will be confirmed only after the post-mortem report and technical inspection are completed.
The incident has shocked residents of Shahabad and sparked demands for stricter safety audits at ATMs and other public utility spaces to prevent similar tragedies in the future.