When a violent storm swept through Murarrie, 30-year-old IT professional Manendra Kopparthi stopped to move a fallen branch from the road. Moments later, he was electrocuted by a live powerline hidden in the debris, prompting renewed community discussion about powerline safety during storms.
The incident occurred in December 2023, following a severe thunderstorm that downed trees and powerlines across Brisbane’s east.
According to official findings reported in the media, Kopparthi was driving with his wife when he stopped in Murarrie to remove storm debris. Investigators determined that a broken low-voltage line from Energex concealed within the vegetation caused the electrocution. Emergency responders were called, but he could not be revived.
Friends and colleagues described Kopparthi as kind and generous, known for helping others. His wife told the media that he once rescued an injured stray dog not long after their marriage — an act she said reflected his character. Lecturer Anil Naidu, who taught him in a professional course, said Kopparthi often assisted classmates and shared home-cooked meals.
Investigation and safety findings
Queensland’s Electrical Safety Office, which investigated the death, found evidence indicating the fatality resulted from storm impact, rather than vegetation-management issues. Energex said its vegetation checks in the Murarrie area were current and met safety standards at the time.
However, images taken by the media the following day appeared to show branches hanging over nearby powerlines. Energex explained that its maintenance guidelines discourage foliage overhanging low-voltage lines, but allow it in some circumstances when the vegetation is stable and poses no immediate hazard.
Former Energex engineer Ken Millers said he believed current vegetation-clearance standards could be improved, especially given Queensland’s exposure to frequent, intense storms. Energex said it reviews audit findings on an ongoing basis and makes changes where required.
Community and council perspectives
Some Murarrie residents said they had previously raised concerns about large trees dropping branches near industrial properties. Brisbane City Council confirmed residents had asked for inspections in past years, and arborists found the trees in good condition. Council noted that branches can still shed during extreme weather events, even from trees that appear healthy.
Past incidents have drawn similar attention to powerline safety. In 1998, three people died in Ipswich after a storm brought down live electrical wires. Following that tragedy, a coroner recommended exploring options for placing more powerlines underground. It’s a move that remains debated due to significant costs, estimated at more than $50 billion statewide.
Photo Credit: Energex/Facebook
Energex response and ongoing measures
Energex later replaced the low-voltage lines at the Murarrie location with insulated bundled cables. The company described the work as part of its “routine line replacement program” rather than a specific response to the incident.
In a media statement, Energex said its vegetation-management cycle operates on intervals of up to two years in urban areas, with ongoing audits and safety checks.
An internal audit indicated several high-risk vegetation incidents across southeast Queensland since mid-2023, including cases where plants had contacted or appeared likely to contact powerlines.
A community honours its good neighbour
Flowers have been tied to the nearby power pole where Kopparthi fell. Residents say they are a reminder of his generosity. Local residents and community leaders have expressed condolences to his family; authorities continue to promote public education on storm-related electrical safety.
Published 3-Nov-2025
