Former rugby player Urtzi Abanzabalegi, 46, has died in the Biscayan town of Abadiño after receiving an electrical waste while working, the Basque Government's Department of Security has reported.
The accident occurred at the company Piergburg, S.A., where Abanzabalegi, an employee of Electricidad Anboto, worked as a subcontractor, according to the LAB union.
Urtzi played for several teams such as Eibar Rugby Taldea, Getxo, Ordizia, Stade Hendayais, Bera Bera, the Basque Korsarioak and the Basque national team.
"This morning Urtzi Abanzabalegi, a former Ordizia player, left us. You were the leader of our forwards for many years and in the club's biggest victories. Wherever you are, a hug my friend", said the AMPO Ordizia.
The accident occurred at around ten o'clock in the morning, and the victim's co-workers alerted the emergency services.
A medical team went to the scene of the accident and tried to resuscitate the former player, but was unable to prevent his death.
LAB has denounced in a statement that "non-compliance with prevention measures is widespread in companies" and has asked Osalan and the Labour Inspectorate to "force the employers to comply with the regulations once and for all".