Three men have reportedly died after coming into contact with high-voltage electricity lines while working on a construction project in the Fegge area of Onitsha, Anambra State.
The tragic incident occurred when the men, who were reportedly engaged in construction work, accidentally came into contact with live electrical infrastructure, resulting in fatal electrocution.
Local emergency responders and electricity officials were said to have arrived at the scene shortly after the incident. However, all three men were confirmed dead.
The incident has prompted renewed warnings from FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company about the dangers of carrying out construction, installation and other activities close to active electricity lines without following the required safety precautions.
Reacting to the tragedy, the company’s Head of Communications, Izunna Okafor, described the incident as a painful reminder of the risks associated with working near overhead electricity lines.
Okafor warned that metal objects could become deadly conductors of electricity when they come into contact with energised power lines, potentially causing fatal injuries even when the individuals handling them do not deliberately touch the wires.
“Metal objects that come into contact with energised electricity lines could conduct current and cause fatal electrocution, even when those handling them do not deliberately touch the wires,” he said.
He stressed the need for property owners, builders, construction workers and residents to maintain a safe distance from electricity infrastructure to prevent avoidable accidents.
According to him, the company would continue to intensify electricity safety awareness campaigns across markets, motor parks, streets, schools and communities in Anambra State.
The campaigns are aimed at educating residents about the dangers of unsafe activities around electricity installations and discouraging practices that could endanger lives.
Okafor further warned that electricity line corridors must not be used for unauthorised buildings, trading stalls, canopies, scaffolding, water tanks or activities involving long metal objects.
He urged residents to promptly report hazardous construction activities and encroachment on electricity line corridors to the appropriate authorities before they lead to further loss of lives.
The deaths of the three men underscore the potentially fatal consequences of working too close to live electricity lines and the importance of observing safety regulations around power infrastructure.
