Coroner's Finding: GREGG Robert

13y · Male·Electrocution

Robert Gregg, aged 13, died from electrocution in his family's underground dugout home in Coober Pedy after touching a defective floodlight connected via extension cords to an unearthed socket outlet lacking a residual current device (RCD/safety switch). The electrical installation was substandard; a contractor had previously advised $3000–5000 in remedial work was needed. The District Council of Coober Pedy failed to follow up on reports of the dangerous wiring and did not disconnect the supply despite statutory obligations under the Electricity Act. Had the council acted on these reports, or had an RCD been installed, the death would likely have been prevented. Key lessons: electrical hazards must be promptly reported and investigated; RCDs provide critical protection; and regulatory agencies must enforce safety standards consistently, particularly in communities with older installations.