From Emma Elekwa, Awka
Three men were reportedly electrocuted in Fegge, Onitsha, Anambra State following sudden fall of an iron pole they were attempting to erect for a water tank on an 11KV electricity line.
The incident was said to have happened on Monday within the premises of a two-storey building located at No. 123, Old Port Harcourt Road area of the commercial city.
According to eye witness, the deceased were engaged by a contractor to sink a borehole for the owner of the facility.
”The contractor reportedly arrived at the premises with three workers, who were attempting to erect an iron pole for a water tank when the pole fell onto the overhead electricity line.
”The three men were holding the iron when they suddenly got electrocuted,” the witness said.
Confirming the incident, Head of Communications, FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited, Izunna Okafor described the incident as unfortunate.
He identified the deceased as Chukwudi Ukwa, Frank Okafor and Somadina Nwabuike, saying their bodies were taken to the General Hospital, Onitsha, by police officers from the Fegge Division.
According to him, the owner of the facility, identified as Mr Steven, is currently assisting the police with their investigation into the incident.
While sympathising with the families and associates of the deceased, Okafor urged the public to take electricity safety warnings seriously, stressing that no construction project, commercial activity or household installation was worth the loss of human lives.
He said, “The tragedy points to the grave dangers associated with carrying out construction, borehole drilling, tank installation and other activities close to overhead electricity lines without observing the required safety clearances.
”An iron pole or other long metal object that comes into contact with an energised power line can conduct electricity and cause instant fatal electrocution, even when those handling it do not deliberately touch the wire.
”FirstPower notes with concern that such incidents are preventable when property owners, contractors, artisans and members of the public observe established electrical safety requirements and keep people, equipment and materials at a safe distance from overhead lines.
”The company has continued to take electricity safety awareness campaigns to markets, motor parks, streets, schools and communities across Anambra State, warning against building, trading, erecting structures or carrying out other activities near or within electricity line rights-of-way without the required safety clearance.
”The campaigns have particularly addressed traders setting up stalls beneath high-tension lines, Keke operators loading passengers under power lines and residents undertaking construction or other activities dangerously close to electricity infrastructure.
”FirstPower stresses that electricity line corridors are not safe spaces for unauthorised buildings, trading stalls, canopies, water tanks, scaffolding or the handling of long metal objects.
”Such activities expose not only the people directly involved but also passers-by, neighbouring residents and electricity workers to serious danger.
”The company therefore urges property owners to ensure that contractors engaged for borehole drilling, building construction, water tank installation, roofing and other projects fully take cognizance of electricity lines and observe the required space before work begins.
”Contractors and artisans must assess their work areas carefully, maintain the prescribed safety clearances and never attempt to lift or erect metal poles near overhead conductors without proper professional guidance and safety precautions.
”Members of the public are also advised never to touch fallen electricity wires or attempt to move objects that have come into contact with power lines.
”Any suspected electrical hazard should be reported immediately to FirstPower or the appropriate emergency authorities, while people should keep a safe distance from the affected area.
”Work around electricity infrastructure should only be undertaken by qualified and authorised personnel under appropriate safety procedures.
”The company will continue its public sensitisation efforts and collaboration with relevant authorities and communities to discourage unsafe activities around electricity installations and promote compliance with safety requirements.
”It also calls on residents to report dangerous encroachment and activities around power lines before they result in avoidable tragedies.”