Hiab operators killed after encountering GPL wires

Two people have been killed within the past week after coming in contact with Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL)  electrical wires.

GPL in a statement on Sunday said its team responded to an emergency report received from a customer in Charity, Region Two. On arrival, they were informed that a male individual who was operating a Hiab truck beneath a 13.8kV Distribution Line was reportedly electrocuted and was subsequently transported to the hospital for medical attention.

A preliminary assessment conducted by GPL revealed no damage to the electricity network, and the machinery involved was removed from the site. The GPL team subsequently visited the Charity Police Station, where they were advised that an official report had already been lodged regarding the incident and the man reportedly succumbed.

GPL said its Occupational Health and Safety Department, along with a team from the Ministry of Labour and Manpower, will be conducting a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident.

The company said this incident marks the second fatality within two weeks involving Hiab operations near the company’s electrical infrastructure.

The first incident occurred on January 26, 2026, involving a contractor of One Communications (formerly GTT), who reportedly came into contact with the magnetic field of 69kV Line in the vicinity of Owen Street, Kitty.

GPL strongly urges all contractors, operators, and members of the public to seek the necessary permission and ensure proper supervision before undertaking any work in close proximity to GPL’s electricity network, as a critical safety measure.