Three men have died after being electrocuted by high-voltage power lines while reportedly working on a construction project in the Fegge area of Onitsha, Anambra State.
The incident occurred when the victims reportedly came into contact with active electrical infrastructure during construction work. Emergency responders and electricity officials arrived at the scene following the incident, but all three men were confirmed dead.
Reacting to the tragedy, FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company expressed sadness over the loss of lives and renewed its warning to property owners, builders and construction workers about the dangers of carrying out activities close to live electricity lines.
The company’s Head of Communications, Mr Izunna Okafor, said the incident highlighted the potentially fatal consequences of conducting construction, installation and other structural work near overhead power lines without following the necessary safety precautions.
Okafor explained that metal objects could conduct electricity when they come into contact with energised power lines, potentially causing fatal electrocution even when the people handling them do not directly touch the wires.
He said FirstPower would continue its electricity safety awareness campaigns across Anambra State to educate residents about the risks associated with electricity infrastructure.
According to him, the campaigns would cover markets, motor parks, streets, schools and communities, with the aim of discouraging unsafe practices around power installations.
The electricity distribution company also warned residents against erecting unauthorised buildings, setting up trading stalls and canopies, installing scaffolding or placing water tanks within electricity line corridors.
It further cautioned against handling long metal objects near overhead power lines, noting that such activities could expose individuals to dangerous electrical currents.
FirstPower urged residents to report hazardous activities and illegal encroachment on electricity line corridors to the appropriate authorities before they lead to further accidents or loss of lives.
The incident serves as another warning about the importance of observing electrical safety regulations at construction sites, particularly in areas where workers and equipment operate close to high-voltage power lines.
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