Two foreign nationals tragically died Friday evening at a five-star hotel in Bengaluru's Ulsoor area, following a suspected electrocution incident in the property's swimming pool. Police have launched an investigation into potential safety lapses at the luxury establishment, focusing on the circumstances that led to the fatalities.
Authorities identified the deceased as Alexander Maximilian Theiss, 57, a German national and Lufthansa Airlines crew member, and Juraj Horvat, 45, a Slovakian citizen working as a project manager for IBM. The tragic event unfolded at the Conrad Hotel, where both men had gone for a swim in the third-floor pool.
During the unfolding crisis, two individuals who attempted to rescue them also sustained injuries. Mathew Desantis, 41, an American tourist staying at the hotel, and Rahul Tiwari, 28, a hotel employee serving as a pool attendant and lifeguard, were both rushed to Manipal Hospital. Medical reports confirm they are now out of danger, having received timely treatment.
Bengaluru police have registered a case and commenced a thorough probe to determine the precise circumstances. While electrocution stands as the suspected cause, authorities have not yet officially confirmed the exact source of the electrical fault. Investigators plan to meticulously examine the swimming pool's electrical installations and other safety systems as part of their comprehensive inquiry, seeking to understand if an electrical malfunction or any oversight in maintenance contributed to the deaths.
The Conrad, a prominent 24-storey luxury hotel operated under the Hilton group, typically commands upwards of Rs 25,000 per night for a standard room. This incident has prompted serious questions regarding the electrical safety and overall maintenance standards upheld at such premium properties. Although the hotel management has not issued any public statement on the matter, a notification on its website Saturday morning announced the swimming pool's closure for maintenance from October 31 to November 30. The ongoing police investigation is crucial in establishing accountability and preventing future occurrences.
Image: siasat.com
📰 Source: Siasat Gulf