Akola: A potentially serious mishap was averted at Tower Chowk in Akola after a man climbed onto overhead electricity wires near a distribution transformer and remained there for nearly half an hour.The incident was reported to Civil Lines police, following which a police team immediately reached the spot. Police contacted the electricity department and got the power supply to the area disconnected as a precautionary measure. The prompt action helped prevent the possibility of electrocution or a more serious accident, police said.As per officials, police personnel, with the assistance of local residents, managed to bring the man down from the electrical wires. He was subsequently taken to Civil Lines police station.The situation became more tense when a youth attempted to climb onto the wires to reach the man and bring him down. During the attempt, both reportedly lost their balance and fell. Fortunately, neither suffered serious injuries.Speaking to TOI, Civil Lines police station API Mahendra Shinde said the man appeared to be under mental distress at the time of the incident. Police subsequently contacted his family and handed him over to his relatives after serving the necessary notice.The incident led to a sizeable crowd gathering at Tower Chowk. Police urged people at the spot to maintain a safe distance from the electrical installation while efforts to rescue the man were underway.Police said the immediate disconnection of the electricity supply was an important safety measure given the risk involved in approaching live electrical wires. The circumstances that prompted the man to climb onto the power lines are being ascertained.
