In an unfortunate incident at a 5-star hotel in Bengaluru, two foreigners died due to suspected electrocution while swimming at a pool in the hotel on Friday night (October 30).
Additionally, two others including an American tourist and one hotel staff member sustained injuries while trying to save the victims.
The incident occurred at the third floor swimming pool at the Conrad Hotel in the Halasuru area. Two individuals including a German and Slovakian citizen are believed to have died after suffering electric shocks. It is currently unclear what has led to the tragic deaths.
The incident came to light after the two men were found in difficulty in the swimming pool. During rescue attempts, two others sustained injuries. Police have opened an investigation.
Two Sustained Injuries
The injured have been identified as Mathew Desantis (41) who is American and was staying at the hotel and Rahul Tiwari (28), who is a pool attendant and lifeguard.
Both individuals reportedly jumped in to try and save the two foreigners in distress. They sustained injuries and were taken to Manipal Hospital. Both are now safe according to police information reported by media outlets.
The bodies of the two men have also been moved to Manipal Hospital and more information will follow as the investigation continues.
Police Open Investigation into Suspected Electrocution
Police have opened an investigation into how the suspected electrocution occurred. Officers visited the hotel and investigated the swimming pool area. The investigation will look into the electrical systems and safety measures in place.
Although suspected to be caused by an electric shock, it is currently unknown why the incident occurred. The investigation will need to find out if there was any issues with the electrical systems, equipment or anything else.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (East), Vikram Amathe confirmed that two foreigners died in the hotel pool, whilst two others sustained injuries whilst trying to save them. The injured were taken to hospital and are now safe.
It has been reported that the wife of one of the deceased has lodged a complaint against the hotel claiming negligence. The investigation will need to find out if there was any negligence.
Safety Measures in Swimming Pools
The incident has raised concerns about the safety measures in place at hotels swimming pools and the upkeep of the electrical systems in areas where guests may come into contact with water. Swimming pools should be regularly checked and safety measures put in place to avoid any electrical issues. However, it would be too early to make any assumptions about the upkeep of the hotel until the investigation has concluded.
Conrad Hotel is a luxury hotel in Bengaluru, part of the Hilton hotel group. The incident occurred at the third floor swimming pool.
As of now, the hotel have not made any statements about the incident. The police investigation is ongoing.
The death of the two foreigners has highlighted the situation that the individuals were in. The investigation will need to find out how the suspected current got into the pool, what happened during the rescue and if any safety standards were broken.
The cause of the incident is currently under investigation. The police investigation will be important to find out why the incident occurred and if there was any negligence.