Labour Ministry probing electrocution, death of two men at Trans rice mill

The Occupational Safety and Health Department of the Ministry of Labour has launched an investigation into the electrocution of two men at the Trans Rice Mill located at Perth Village, Branch Road, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Dead is Shacquille Butts, 27, a labourer, of Airy Hall, Mahaicony, ECD, and Gousham Narine called ‘Christopher’, 25, a welder, of T Non Pareil, ECD.

The News Room understands that both men were executing works on a metal shed when one of the metal sheets touched a nearby electrical wire.

As shockwaves ran through Narine’s body, Butts grabbed on to him hoping to help. He, however, was electrocuted as well. They both fell to the ground.

Workers who were nearby rushed to their assistance.

The two men were taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital where they were pronounced dead.

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton has since expressed concern about the fatalities at the workplace and he has extended sympathy to the relatives, colleagues and friends of the deceased.

The ministry, in a statement, said: “Investigations are continuing to determine the causes of the accident and recommendations will also be made for the prevention of similar recurrences.”

Meanwhile, police officers in Region Five are also conducting investigations into the incident.