Two Minors Seriously Injured in Electrical Incident at Civic House

Two minors have sustained severe electrical flash burns following a serious electrical incident at Civic House in Suva.

The incident occurred at approximately 3.20pm on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, inside the ground-floor Main Switchboard Room of the building.

The injured children, aged six and 13, are currently receiving medical treatment and remain under observation at CWM Hospital.

The Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations has launched a preliminary Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) investigation into the incident.

Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Agni Deo Singh, said preliminary findings had identified thermal damage to several electrical components within the switchboard.

However, the exact cause of the electrical fault and the circumstances that led to the incident have yet to be established.

Following the incident, the affected switchboard was isolated and locked out, while access to the area has been restricted to authorised personnel involved in repairs and inspections.

A Prohibition Notice has also been issued to the Suva City Council, which owns the building.

The Ministry has advised that power should not be restored to the affected installation until a comprehensive electrical inspection has been completed and the necessary technical clearance obtained from licensed electrical contractors and Energy Fiji Limited.

Authorities are also reviewing safety arrangements around electrical rooms within the building, with additional measures being considered to strengthen safety controls and reduce potential risks.

“The safety of workers, visitors and members of the public must always come first,” Singh said.

“Where there are serious risks, those responsible for workplaces have a duty to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place and are functioning effectively.”

The Ministry’s investigation is continuing, with further findings expected once the full assessment has been completed.