ESCOM institutes formal investigation into tragic incident that led to death of one of its power linesmen in Lilongwe

* To provide full details once the investigations is concluded as ESCOM’s primary focus is supporting the families of the departed colleague

* We ask for the public’s patience and respect for the privacy of the grieving family during this incredibly difficult time

By Duncan Mlanjira

Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) assures the public that it will provide full details once it concludes its investigation on the tragic incident at Nsanje in Lilongwe yesterday, January 18, that resulted in the loss of life of one of their power linesmen working on a transformer fault.

ESCOM also clarifies that it is one and not two linesmen that lost their life, adding that three other employees sustained injuries in the incident, who were promptly evacuated from the site and are currently receiving medical attention.

“Their condition is being closely monitored,” says the company’s management in a statement. “At this moment in time, our primary focus is on supporting the families of our departed colleague and providing counseling to the team members affected by this tragedy.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues and friends during this difficult time. We remain committed to transparency and will communicate further updates as more information becomes available.”

“We ask for the public’s patience and respect for the privacy of the grieving family during this incredibly difficult time,” says the statement, while stressing that the safety of the staff is their highest priority.

Thus in line with ESCOM’s standard safety protocols, a formal internal investigation was launched soon after the incident to establish the circumstances sorrounding the incident.