Three men electrocuted by downed power lines in Race Course, Clarendon

Two men remain hospitalised, one critically, after they were reportedly electrocuted by downed power lines in Banks, Race Course, Clarendon early this morning.

According to reports, a utility pole belonging to the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) fell on a motorcyclist who was travelling along the main road.

It is further reported that two residents who attempted to assist the motorcyclist also received electrical shock. 

One of the two residents remain hospitalised, The Gleaner understands. 

Community members are angry and have accused the JPS of shoddy work.

Residents painted a grim picture of the early morning tragedy claiming that the motorcyclist lost fingers due to the electrical shock. 

"The light post dem rotten down. A whole ah three light post drop down. Him couldn't save himself, and right now him in a critical condition so who to tell what happens later, so we need justice. The man who try fi help him, the current [electricity] lick him too [and] it look like him all lose him sight. And my father burn up bad," fumed an irate Patrick Mitchell, a son of the motorcyclist.

"JPS fi do better than that wid them job. Dem cay ah hurry the work fi people get back light. That is the thing... carelessness. So [JPS] ah fi pay the penalty for this," said another resident.

Sections of southern Clarendon are still without power following the passing of Hurricane Beryl early last month.

When contacted, JPS Director of Corporate Communications Winsome Callum described the incident as most unfortunate.

It was indicated that the poles came down during adverse weather conditions on Friday night.

“Our primary concern currently is the well-being of those affected," said Callum, noting that the individuals are receiving medical care at hospitals.

She cautioned the public to exercise extreme caution when approaching downed power lines and poles.

- Olivia Brown

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