Man dies after being electrocuted at Taco Bill

A 40-year-old tradie died whilst working on renovations at a Taco Bill restaurant in the Melbourne suburb of Pakenham. 

At about 6pm on Tuesday night, Tony Balalovski was installing a light at the eatery when he was electrocuted. 

WorkSafe Victoria is investigating the fatality and have said the 40-year-old licensed electrician died at the scene. 

Tony was a man who wanted to “experience life to the fullest” his cousin Sammy Petrevski told NCA NewsWire.

“Tony was special to each and every single person who was is in his life, his impact on everyone is major,” Mr Petrevski said. 

“His infectious smile, his cheekiness, his beautiful heart. Tony worked hard to achieve everything in his lifetime. 

“Tony had taught us all how to love the water as much as he did, he taught us all how to ski, wakeboard or kneeboard, and he would enjoy that moment teaching all his family how to love the same thing he did. 

“From all the laughter, the tears, the ups and the downs, Tony always found a way to smile. On behalf of all of the Petrevski family, Tony, may you rest in peace, fly high and ski fast.

“We will love you and cherish you forever.” 

In a statement released by Taco Bill, they said the tragic incident had “deeply shocked” staff at the franchise.

“Taco Bill Pakenham has been temporarily closed during Covid-19 restrictions and undergoing minor renovations,” a spokesperson said.

“Yesterday afternoon an external trade contractor sadly passed away whilst working on site.

“We pass on our sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.” 

The incident is also being investigated by Energy Safe Victoria (ESV). 

“ESV offers its condolences to the victim’s loved ones,” a spokesperson said.

“ESV is pleading to all electricians to ensure they carry out safe isolation when working in the vicinity of live electrical equipment. 

“We’re also reminding electricians to ensure they carry out mandated testing upon the completion and before energisation of electrical work.”

 Irit Jackson, 28^th October 2021