Telecommunications worker dies after falling from pole in Elshani

A 48-year-old telecommunications worker died after falling from a pole while carrying out work in the village of Elshani, near Ohrid. The accident was reported to SVR Ohrid at 14:40 yesterday.

The victim is identified by initials as N.K., a 48-year-old resident of the village Leskoec and an employee of a telecommunications company. A physician from the Emergency Medical Service pronounced the death at the scene.

Scene investigators included a public prosecutor, a labour inspector and police teams who carried out an on-site examination.

Investigation and safety context

The death of the 48-year-old worker is another in a series of tragic workplace incidents. Last year, according to the Macedonian Association for Occupational Safety, 132 work accidents were recorded, of which 31 ended in a fatal outcome, compared with 17 workers killed in 2024.

Work on telecommunications poles is classified as high-risk because of the height involved, restricted space for movement and the proximity of electrical lines, factors that increase the danger for technicians performing repairs or installations.

Authorities continue their inquiries into the circumstances of the fall while the incident renews calls from safety advocates for stricter enforcement of protective measures for workers at height.

Photo: ilustracija / Sloboden pechat / Dragan Mitreski