FirstPower Confirms Three Workers Electrocuted While Installing Water Tank in Onitsha, Warns Public

By Praise Chinecherem

First Power Electricity Distribution Company management has confirmed death of its three workers from electrocution in Fegge, Onitsha, Anambra State, after an iron pole they were attempting to erect for a water tank fell onto an 11KV overhead electricity line.

The tragic incident occurred on Monday within the premises of a two-storey building at No. 123, Old Port Harcourt Road, in the commercial city of Onitsha.

The deceased, identified as Chukwudi Ukwa, Frank Okafor and Somadina Nwabuike, were reportedly engaged by a contractor to work on a borehole project for the owner of the property.

An eyewitness said the victims were attempting to erect an iron pole to support a water tank when the pole accidentally fell onto an overhead electricity line, resulting in their electrocution.

“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, the Head of Communications at FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited, Izunna Okafor, described the deaths as unfortunate and renewed the company’s warning against dangerous activities around electricity infrastructure.

Okafor disclosed that police officers from the Fegge Division evacuated the bodies to the General Hospital, Onitsha.

He added that the property owner, identified as Mr Steven, was assisting the police with their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Expressing sympathy with the families, friends and associates of the deceased, the FirstPower spokesperson warned that construction, borehole drilling and water tank installation near overhead electricity lines could have fatal consequences when appropriate safety measures are ignored.

“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,” Okafor said.

He explained that long metal objects could conduct electricity when they came into contact with energised power lines, potentially causing fatal electrocution even when those handling them did not deliberately touch the wires.

“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,” he warned.

FirstPower Raises Alarm Over Unsafe Activities

The company expressed concern over recurring safety risks associated with unauthorised construction, trading and other activities close to overhead electricity lines, stressing that many such incidents could be prevented through proper planning and compliance with established safety requirements.

According to Okafor, FirstPower has continued to conduct electricity safety awareness campaigns in markets, motor parks, streets, schools and communities across Anambra State.

The campaigns target activities such as traders setting up stalls beneath high-tension lines, commercial tricycle operators loading passengers under power lines and residents undertaking construction projects dangerously close to electricity infrastructure.

He stressed that electricity line corridors were not safe locations for unauthorised buildings, trading stalls, canopies, water tanks, scaffolding or the handling of long metal objects.

Such activities, he said, could endanger not only the people directly involved but also passers-by, neighbouring residents and electricity workers.

Contractors, Property Owners Urged to Exercise Caution

FirstPower urged property owners to ensure that contractors engaged for borehole drilling, building construction, roofing, water tank installation and other projects identify nearby electricity lines and maintain the required safety clearances before commencing work.

The company also called on contractors and artisans to assess their work environments carefully and avoid lifting or erecting metal poles close to overhead conductors without qualified professional guidance and appropriate safety precautions.

Okafor further warned members of the public against touching fallen electricity wires or attempting to move objects that had 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,” he said.

He emphasised that work around electricity infrastructure should only be carried out by qualified and authorised personnel operating under appropriate safety procedures.

Company Promises Continued Safety Campaigns

The electricity distribution company pledged to sustain its public sensitisation campaigns and strengthen collaboration with relevant authorities and communities to discourage dangerous activities around electricity installations.

It also urged residents to report unsafe construction, encroachment and other hazardous activities around power lines before they result in avoidable loss of lives.

The incident has renewed concerns over the dangers of carrying out construction and installation projects close to overhead electricity lines without adequate safety precautions.

FirstPower reiterated that no construction project, commercial activity or household installation is worth the loss of human lives, urging residents, contractors and property owners to prioritise electrical safety at all times.

(viewers Discretion Advised)

#