A heartbreaking incident occurred yesterday (Tuesday) in Tenerife when a dog was electrocuted after walking on a manhole cover belonging to an electric company on Calle San Vicente Ferrer in Santa Cruz. The dog was being walked by its owner when it suddenly collapsed, prompting an immediate call to emergency services for help.
The Local police were the first to arrive at the scene. Upon inspection, they confirmed the death of the dog and observed smoke emanating from the manhole cover. Following standard protocol, authorities identified the dog's owner and interviewed several witnesses. Meanwhile, engineers from the electric company arrived to manage the situation, and the area was cordoned off to ensure the safety of others.
In response to the tragedy, the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council has demanded that Endesa, the electric company responsible for the underground electrical networks, urgently review and inspect the electrical installations within the city as there is no way a manhole cover should have electricity running to it.
The council emphasised the need for accountability, stating that maintenance of these facilities is solely Endesa’s responsibility. Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez addressed the incident, insisting on an immediate response from Endesa regarding the apparent poor maintenance of the electrical installations beneath the city's streets.
"The safety of our residents and their pets, as in this case, is paramount and must take precedence over any other circumstances that Endesa might cite. Therefore, we demand an immediate inspection of all the aforementioned installations," Bermúdez declared.
Carlos Tarife, the councillor for Animal Welfare, expressed his sorrow over the loss of the pet and supported the mayor's call for explanations from Endesa. He urged for an "immediate review of the installations" to prevent future tragedies.
