Daman hotels under scanner after tragic electrocution incident

Daman : In the wake of a tragic incident where a father and his six-year-old son were electrocuted in a Daman hotel bathroom on Sunday, the Daman administration in the Union Territory has taken a crucial step to ensure the safety of residents and tourists.

A comprehensive electric safety audit has been ordered for all hotels, guest houses, and bungalows, regardless of their size, to prevent such devastating accidents from happening in the future.

The heartbreaking incident occurred at Hotel Nana’s Palace, situated on the Sea Face Road in Daman, where Srikant Vaghela, a 35-year-old man, and his family had come for a weekend holiday. The Vaghela family, hailing from Nadiad in Gujarat, had chosen Hotel Nana’s Palace for their holiday retreat.

The tragic turn of events unfolded when Srikant’s six-year-old son, Shenon, entered the bathroom of their hotel room and screamed for help. Srikant and his wife rushed to the bathroom, only to discover that the young boy had been electrocuted. In a desperate attempt to save his son’s life, Srikant reached out to him but was tragically electrocuted himself. Both father and son lost their lives on the spot, leaving the family and hotel staff in shock.

The gravity of the incident prompted immediate action from local authorities. Daman District Collector, Dr. Saurabh Mishra, along with senior police officials, rushed to Hotel Nana’s Palace to assess the situation. Following the inspection, the hotel was sealed by the administration pending further investigation.

In a move to prevent such accidents in the future, the Daman administration has issued strict directives to all hotels, guest houses, bungalows, and dormitories within its jurisdiction. These establishments are required to undergo electric safety audits within seven days to assess and rectify any potential hazards. Failure to comply with these orders may result in legal action against the non-compliant establishments.

Daman, often referred to as Gujarat’s watering hole, is a popular tourist destination that draws visitors from Gujarat and neighboring Maharashtra. It is known for its affordability, offering low-cost liquor and accommodations. Approximately 5 lakh people visit Daman each month, making the safety and well-being of tourists and residents of paramount importance.

“As the electric safety audits get underway, the Daman administration seeks to ensure the safety and security of all guests and residents, with the aim of preventing further tragic incidents like the one that unfolded at Hotel Nana’s Palace. This move underscores the commitment to maintaining the reputation of Daman as a cherished and safe tourist destination” said an official of Daman administration.