Man Found Dead After Electrocution in Dagenham Flat
A 49-year-old man from Warrington Road, Dagenham, was found dead clutching a live electrical wire. Momchil Rusev was discovered by his landlord lying on his back in his room, sparking an urgent investigation.
Emergency Services Rush to Scene
Senior coroner Graeme Irvine opened an inquest at East London Coroner’s Court in Walthamstow on Wednesday, April 9. Emergency services, including paramedics and the London Fire Brigade, were called to the address. Firefighters secured the area before medical teams could attend to Rusev. Police confirmed no criminal activity was suspected, but Rusev’s death was unexpected and unexplained.
Provisional Cause of Death: Electrocution
A post-mortem on April 3 revealed that Rusev died from congestive cardiac failure caused by cardiac arrhythmia resulting from electrocution.
“It seems to me that on the basis of this information, Mr Rusev’s death could not be described as a natural causes death and accordingly, it is proper to consider the opening of an inquest,” said Mr Irvine.
Inquest to Probe Mental Health and Circumstances
The upcoming inquest aims to uncover how Rusev came into contact with the exposed wire. It will also consider any underlying mental health issues and whether his death was preventable.
The coroner has granted Rusev’s family the status of “interested persons,” allowing them to review evidence and question witnesses. They have been asked to provide biographical details and insights into Rusev’s mental health, plus any concerns about the circumstances surrounding the live wire.
Medical records, and reports from the Metropolitan Police and London Ambulance Service, have also been requested to support the investigation.
Final Inquest Set for October
The full inquest hearing is scheduled for October 2. It will explore lessons learned and consider safety steps to prevent similar deaths in the future.
Inquests like this serve the public interest by probing unexplained or unnatural deaths, especially where health and safety or care standards are in question.
