Electrocution in a  “Hotel Square” in Patan, Kathmandu, Nepal” - A Technical Responsibility Review

Author: Saroj K. Joshi, P.E., Ph.D.

Chapter 1 — Incident Overview

• In late 2023, a severe electrocution occurred at a hotel swimming pool in Patan (Lalitpur), Nepal.
• Victim: Sajil Man Shakya, who suffered severe electrical injuries and later went into a vegetative coma for several months
• Forensic findings indicated burns consistent with electrocution.
• The incident highlights critical gaps in Nepal’s pool safety and electrical infrastructure.

Chapter 2 — Multi-Layer Responsibility

• Liability spans the entire project lifecycle: design → approval → construction → QC → commissioning → operation.
• Failure in any stage can result in lethal hazards.
• Responsibility is distributed across multiple stakeholders, not solely the hotel owner.

Chapter 3 — Engineering & Design Obligations

• Designers must create safe electrical systems, including grounding, bonding, GFCI/RCD protection, waterproof fixtures, and fault studies.
• Even without Nepal-specific standards, NEC, IEC, and IS codes should guide design.    
• Ignoring these standards constitutes design negligence.

Chapter 4 — Contractors & Installers

• Contractors are responsible for faithful execution of designs.
• Submission of compliant materials, raising RFIs for unclear details, and conducting pre-commissioning tests are mandatory.
• Deviations from design or unsafe work → contractor liability.

Chapter 5 — Quality Control & Site Supervision

• QC engineers ensure installations comply with design and safety standards.
• Poor inspection or failure to catch errors creates joint responsibility.
• Supervisors and consulting engineers share accountability for oversight lapses.

Chapter 6 — Government & Regulatory Authorities

• Municipal authorities must review plans and enforce safety compliance.
• Permits should only be issued after thorough verification.
• Inadequate approvals → systemic regulatory responsibility.

Chapter 7 — Hotel Operation & Maintenance

• Hotels must routinely test grounding, breakers, and GFCI systems.
• Negligent upkeep in pools and wet areas → direct operator liability.
• Proper maintenance is essential to prevent preventable accidents.

Chapter 8 — Forensic Investigation Requirements

A thorough investigation examines:

• Single-line diagrams and load schedules
• Grounding and bonding test results
• GFCI/breaker trip records
• As-built drawings and QC logs
• Load and fault calculations
• Waterproofing and equipment integrity

Goal: Identify exactly where safety failed.

Chapter 9 — Justice, Accountability & Compensation

• Immediate compensation to the victim’s family is standard.
• Criminal investigation if negligence is suspected.
• Professional sanctions: license suspension, blacklisting.
• Civil damages cover economic and emotional loss.
• Policy reforms follow to prevent recurrence.

Chapter 10 — Preventing Future Incidents

Electrocution is 100% preventable with proper design, installation, and maintenance.

Nepal requires:

• Updated electrical codes
• Qualified municipal inspectors
• Mandatory third-party testing
• Routine maintenance audits for hotels

Chapter 11 — The Role of Civil Engineering/Lead Architect Amogh S. Manandhar in Advancing Safety Standards in Collaboration with S & P Electrical Engineering Consulting, Inc., California, USA

• Nepal’s hospitality and construction sectors require high technical and safety standards.
• Lead Architect Amogh S. Manandhar, working with S & P Electrical Engineering Consulting, Inc., California, USA, helps integrate global safety standards in Nepali projects.

Key Contributions:

1. International Electrical Standards: NEC, IEC, California pool codes, GFCI/RCD integration.
2. Architectural–Electrical Coordination: Safe spatial planning, equipment isolation, waterproofing, and conduit routing.
3. Project Documentation & Review: Clear drawings, formalized risk reviews, better contractor guidance.
4. National Standards Advocacy: Promotes adoption of international codes, third-party reviews, and industry awareness.
5. Future Safety Frameworks: Supports national code reforms, municipal review improvements, and professional training programs.

Professional Collaboration:

Lead Architect: Amogh S. Manandhar

Expertise: Architectural design, electrical coordination, international code integration, hospitality facilities

Collaboration: S & P Electrical Engineering Consulting, Inc., California, USA

Professional Contacts: 

Amogh S. Manandhar: [email protected]

S & P Electrical Engineering Consulting, Inc., California, USA

Professional Contact:[email protected]

References:

Setopati – Coverage of the Hotel Square electrocution incident, Patan, Kathmandu, Nepal, 2023.

My Republica – Reporting on the electrocution accident at Hotel Square swimming pool, 2023