One dead, brother injured in electrocution while cutting betel nut tree in Bhola

A 60-year-old man was killed and his younger brother seriously injured after they were electrocuted while cutting a betel nut tree in Borhanuddin Upazila of Bhola on Tuesday.

The accident occurred at around 12:00 p.m. in Dalalpur village under Ward No. 5 of Togbi Union.

The deceased was identified as Abul Kalam, a day laborer and son of Mofazzal Hossain. His younger brother, Mosharraf Hossain, 45, who recently returned from abroad on vacation, sustained severe injuries and is receiving treatment at the 250-bed Bhola General Hospital.

According to family members and hospital police, the two brothers were cutting a betel nut tree in their garden during rainfall when the tree came into contact with a broken overhead electric cable. Both men were immediately electrocuted.

Local residents rescued the brothers and took them to Borhanuddin Upazila Health Complex. Due to the severity of their injuries, they were referred to Bhola General Hospital, where doctors declared Abul Kalam dead shortly before 1:00 p.m.

Dr. Lamia Binte Hossain, the duty physician at the emergency department of Bhola General Hospital, confirmed the incident.

"Two patients were brought to the hospital after suffering electric shock. One was declared dead on arrival, while the other is currently undergoing treatment," she said.

The incident has highlighted the dangers posed by damaged electrical lines, particularly during adverse weather conditions. Authorities have not yet announced whether an investigation into the accident will be conducted.