Woman electrocuted trying to save sheep

May 22, 2008 News

Sharon Jairam, a 31-year-old mother of one, was pronounced dead at the Suddie Hospital last Saturday minutes after she came into contact with a live electrical wire that was exposed at the back of her sheep pen. Two of the sheep were also electrocuted.

Jairam, of Pomona Village, Essequibo Coast, had noticed two of her sheep trembling; they appeared to be suffering from cramps in the pouring rain next to their pen.

In an effort to rescue the sheep from the rain, Jairam ventured to the back of the pen and upon touching one of the animals, she was struck with several volts of current.

She began screaming for help and neighbours, on hearing her cries, rushed into her yard but could do nothing to save her.

However, they managed to switch off the power in Jairam’s house but by then the damage had already been done. Jairam’s motionless body lay next to the sheep which also died.

One eyewitness said that the sheep may have come into contact with the live wire and when Jairam tried to rescue them she too perished.

The electrical wire was connected from the woman’s house to the sheep pen.

A large crowd gathered to get a glimpse of Jairam’s body and to help remove her to the Suddie Hospital.

Jairam was employed at the said hospital as an accounts clerk. She had also worked with the Regional Administration, Region Two for many years.

The tragic accident has left the staff of the hospital and the regional administration in shock. Jairam leaves to mourn her husband and son. Police are investigating the incident.