Sunam (Sangrur): Two people were killed and four were injured after a sudden electric current reportedly passed through an iron structure or exposed wiring near a golgappa stall at the annual Pir Baba Jodwa Shah fair in Sunam on Thursday night, Punjab Newsline reported.
Immediate aftermath and hospital response
Local residents and police rushed the victims to Civil Hospital, Sunam. Doctors declared two persons dead on arrival and provided initial treatment to others. Three of the injured were later referred to a higher medical facility for specialised care, the report said.
The deceased have been identified as Anmol, son of Rajinder Singh of Tohana, and Gurtej Singh, son of Gurcharan Singh of Kulara. The injured include Happy Singh (son of Satpal Singh, Moonak), Bittu Singh (son of Balvir Singh, Moonak), Anil Kumar (son of Munshi Ram, Tohana) and Lakhwinder Singh (son of Jagan Singh, Sunam).
| Victim | Parent | Residence | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anmol | Rajinder Singh | Tohana | Dead on arrival |
| Gurtej Singh | Gurcharan Singh | Kulara | Dead on arrival |
| Happy Singh | Satpal Singh | Moonak | Injured, referred |
| Bittu Singh | Balvir Singh | Moonak | Injured, referred |
| Anil Kumar | Munshi Ram | Tohana | Injured, referred |
| Lakhwinder Singh | Jagan Singh | Sunam | Injured, treated locally |
Ministerial response and probe
Punjab Cabinet Minister Aman Arora travelled from Chandigarh to Sunam and reached the Civil Hospital with family members after learning of the incident, the report said. He met bereaved family members, reviewed the injured patients’ condition and directed doctors to provide the best possible treatment.
Arora ordered a high-level investigation into the circumstances of the electrocution and warned that strict legal action would follow if any negligence by the fair organisers or other parties is established. The minister also announced that the state government would provide financial assistance to the families of the deceased and ensure full medical support for those injured.
- Incident occurred at night during the Pir Baba Jodwa Shah annual fair.
- Electric current reportedly passed through an iron structure or exposed wiring near a food stall.
- Police and local residents transported victims to Civil Hospital, Sunam; two were dead on arrival.
- Minister Aman Arora ordered a high-level probe and promised compensation and medical support.
Public-safety and local concerns
Fairs and melas across Punjab attract large crowds, particularly during annual or religious observances. Such gatherings commonly feature temporary stalls and makeshift electrical arrangements. The Sunam incident underscores the risk of exposed wiring or faulty connections at events where crowd density and unregulated installations increase hazards.
Local administrations are responsible for ensuring compliance with safety protocols, including proper earthing of electrical connections, certified wiring, load management and fire-safety measures. If the probe finds lapses in permissions, inspection or on-site electrical work, organisers could face legal action, the minister indicated.
Next steps
The high-level inquiry ordered by the minister is expected to determine the exact cause of the electrocution, whether it involved exposed wiring, structural metalwork conducting current, or other factors. Authorities will also review whether the fair had required clearances and safety checks before operations, Punjab Newsline reported.
For families and attendees, health officials advise immediate hospital visit for anyone who may have come into contact with suspect installations or is experiencing symptoms such as burns, fainting, palpitations or neurological signs after a suspected shock.
The district administration has not yet released an official statement with probe findings. Local police registered the incident and are assisting the inquiry, according to the report.
Reporting for the region by local correspondent Gurpreet Kaur, based on Punjab Newsline coverage.
