Three policemen killed by suspected electrocution while plucking coconuts in Beaufort

PETALING JAYA – Three policemen died after being believed to have been electrocuted while plucking coconuts at Jalan Weston, Kampung Weston, Beaufort, Sabah at about 5.56pm.

The three victims, personnel of the Weston police station aged 26, 29 and 40, comprised two corporals and a lance corporal.

The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations Centre (PGO) said in a statement it received an emergency call on the incident at 5.56pm.

Seven personnel from the Beaufort Fire and Rescue Station, along with a Fire Rescue Tender (FRT), were dispatched to the location about 28km from the station.

"Upon arrival at the scene, there were three victims (police personnel) who had been electrocuted. According to a witness, the victims were plucking coconuts using a metal pole and struck an electrical cable.

"Members of the public carried out extinguishing work using two dry powder fire extinguishers before the fire team arrived," the statement said.

The PGO said firefighters set up barriers and gathered information at the scene.

"The Sabah Electricity team succeeded in cutting off the power supply in the area of the incident. The fire team and police then took the victims for further action," it said. (Translated from Bahasa Melayu)