RANAU: Three contract workers were believed to have died of electrocution while installing solar panels at the Public Works Department building here this morning.
The victims were identified as a 50-year-old local man and two foreign nationals aged 25 and 36.
Ranau deputy police chief Deputy Superintendent Ediansha Endal said preliminary investigations revealed that four workers had been assigned to install the solar panels.
"While installing the solar panels, they used metal scaffolding at a height of nearly 7.32 metres, with one worker remaining on the ground.
"During the installation process, the solar panels came into contact with an 11KV high-voltage cable owned by Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd," he said today.
He added that all three victims died at the scene.
"The bodies were later transported to Ranau Hospital for further action.Further investigations are ongoing, and the case has been classified as sudden death," he said.
Ranau Fire and Rescue station chief Assistant Fire Superintendent Ridwan Mohd Taib said due to the danger, his personnel had to retrieve the victims' bodies from a safe location.
"The bodies were subsequently handed over to the police for further action. After ensuring no other hazards remained at the site, the operation concluded at 12.03pm," he said.