CHENNAI: Twelve goats were electrocuted to death after stepping on a live power cable that had snapped and fallen onto a roadside amid heavy rain near Maraimalai Nagar in Chengalpattu district on Friday (August 21).

Heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning lashed several parts of the district, including Guduvanchery, Potheri, Kattankulathur, Maraimalai Nagar and Singaperumal Koil.

The goats had gone for grazing in Sengundram village and were returning to their shelter when strong winds caused an electricity cable to snap and fall across the roadside.

Unaware that the cable was live, the goats stepped on it while passing through the area and were electrocuted on the spot. The simultaneous death of 12 goats left their owners shocked and devastated.

Maraimalai Nagar police have launched an inquiry into the incident. Veterinary department officials also examined the carcasses as part of the investigation.