After Nerul shock incident, exposed cable sparks safety fears at Mumbai APMC market

The spot where the electrical cable passes through an open drain chamber outside the APMC export building in Sector 19-F, Vashi, Navi Mumbai. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

A week after two teenage girls suffered an electric shock in Nerul, traders and residents say they fear a similar tragedy could strike outside the APMC export building in Sector 19-F, Vashi if urgent safety measures are not taken.

A video posted on social media from the site shows an electrical cable passing through an open drain chamber before connecting to a nearby distribution box. With monsoon rainwater collected around the chamber and several drains left uncovered, the footage has alarmed traders, workers and pedestrians who use the busy commercial stretch every day.

The road serves hundreds of transporters, labourers, traders, customers and office-goers visiting the export building, cold storage units, transport offices and other commercial establishments. During heavy rain, the area reportedly gets waterlogged, making it difficult to identify open drain chambers hidden beneath murky water.

Residents and traders have urged the authorities concerned to immediately inspect the electrical installation, verify if it complies with safety norms, secure all open drain chambers, clear blocked drains and remove accumulated garbage to prevent accidents.

Voices of concern

Ramvashisht Jaiswal, trader
‘The incidents in Nerul and Mumbai, where a man lost his life after falling into an open drain, have made people more cautious. We don't want anyone to lose their life because a hazard was ignored'

Harishankar Chaurasia, trader
‘Garbage frequently accumulates near the drains, water remains stagnant, and pedestrians have to walk carefully to avoid open chambers. Thousands of people use this road daily. Basic safety should not become a matter of luck'

Sachin Yadav, resident
‘Once rainwater covers the road, nobody can tell where the drain is or where the cable passes. We are only asking that we act before another unfortunate incident takes place'

[popcorn number="July 1" desc="Day two girls were electrocuted in Nerul" class="Default"]