Two foreign tourists die of suspected electrocution in Bengaluru hotel pool, 2 injured
Synopsis
Two foreign nationals died after being electrocuted in a five-star hotel swimming pool in Bengaluru on Friday evening — the pool water allegedly turned lethal due to a suspected electrical fault. The incident has led to a negligence case against the hotel, a BESCOM probe into earthing systems, and uncomfortable questions about safety standards at premium hospitality venues.
Key Takeaways
Alexander Maximilian Theiss , 57 (German), and Juraj Horvath , 45 (Slovak), died of suspected electrocution in a hotel pool in Halasuru, Bengaluru on 31 October .
The pool water on the third floor of the five-star property allegedly became electrically charged due to a suspected fault in the electrical system.
American tourist Mathew DeSantis , 41 , and hotel lifeguard Rahul Tiwari , 28 , were injured during the rescue attempt and are in stable condition at Manipal Hospital .
Police have registered a negligence case against hotel management after a complaint by Horvath's wife.
BESCOM inspections indicate a possible fault in the earthing system or electrical installations connected to the pool.
Two foreign nationals died of suspected electrocution at a five-star hotel swimming pool in Bengaluru on Friday evening, 31 October 2025, while two others — including an American tourist — sustained injuries during a rescue attempt, police confirmed on Saturday. The incident has triggered a negligence case against the hotel management and a probe into electrical safety standards at the property.
What Happened at the Halasuru Hotel
The tragedy unfolded at approximately 6.30 pm on Friday at the swimming pool located on the third floor of the hotel in Halasuru, central Bengaluru. The two deceased have been identified as Alexander Maximilian Theiss, 57, a German national, and Juraj Horvath, 45, a Slovak national. According to police sources, both men suffered fatal electric shocks after the pool water allegedly became electrically charged due to a suspected fault in the hotel's electrical system. The precise mechanism by which the water became energised is still under investigation.
Rescue Attempt and the Injured
Upon witnessing the men in distress, American tourist Mathew DeSantis, 41, and hotel lifeguard Rahul Tiwari, 28, reportedly rushed to pull the victims from the pool — but sustained injuries in the process. Both were shifted to Manipal Hospital, where they are said to be in a stable condition, according to hospital sources.
Negligence Case and BESCOM Inspection
Police have registered a negligence case against the hotel management following a complaint filed by Horvath's wife. Preliminary inspections by officials of the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) have indicated a possible fault in the earthing system or in electrical installations connected to the swimming pool. Investigators are examining the pool's electrical infrastructure, the maintenance procedures followed by the hotel, and whether adequate safety protocols were in place to prevent such an incident. This comes amid growing scrutiny over safety compliance at high-end hospitality properties in Indian cities.
Investigation Ongoing
Police are gathering details about the sequence of events leading up to the deaths, the nature of the rescue attempt, and the broader maintenance history of the hotel's pool facilities. Notably, electrocution incidents in public water bodies — often traced to faulty earthing or substandard electrical installations — have been reported at hotels and resorts across India in recent years, raising questions about regulatory oversight and periodic safety audits. Officials have said further details are expected to emerge as the probe progresses.
Point of View
Not bad luck. India's hospitality sector operates under a patchwork of electrical safety regulations that are rarely subject to independent, periodic audit. The deaths of two foreign nationals at a premium property in a tech hub will amplify international scrutiny. Unless regulators mandate verifiable electrical safety inspections at hotels with water-based amenities — and enforce consequences for lapses — incidents like this remain a matter of when, not if.
NationPress
31 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the deaths at the Bengaluru hotel swimming pool?
Two foreign nationals died after the pool water at a five-star hotel in Halasuru, Bengaluru, allegedly became electrically charged due to a suspected fault in the property's electrical system on 31 October. Preliminary BESCOM inspections suggest a possible problem with the earthing system or electrical installations connected to the pool.
Who are the foreign nationals who died?
The deceased have been identified as Alexander Maximilian Theiss, 57, a German national, and Juraj Horvath, 45, a Slovak national. Both suffered fatal electric shocks while in the hotel swimming pool.
Were any others injured in the incident?
Yes, American tourist Mathew DeSantis, 41, and hotel lifeguard Rahul Tiwari, 28, sustained injuries while attempting to rescue the two men from the pool. Both are receiving treatment at Manipal Hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.
Has a case been registered against the hotel?
Police have registered a negligence case against the hotel management following a complaint lodged by Juraj Horvath's wife. Investigators are examining the hotel's electrical infrastructure and maintenance procedures to determine responsibility.
What is BESCOM's role in the investigation?
Officials from the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) have conducted preliminary inspections and indicated a possible fault in the earthing system or in electrical installations linked to the swimming pool. Their findings will form part of the broader police investigation into how the water became electrically charged.
