Tragedy struck in Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, as a Point of Sale (PoS) operator was electrocuted by a fallen high-tension wire.
The incident occurred over the weekend when a high-voltage cable snapped and landed directly on the unsuspecting victim, who was reportedly standing in front of his shop, located beneath the power line.
Eyewitnesses said the man died instantly, and as of Tuesday, his lifeless body was still lying at the scene with the wire draped across him. Smoke and occasional sparks were reportedly still emanating from the body, causing widespread fear and panic in the area.
A video circulating on social media, and was seen by First Daily correspondent on Wednesday, confirms the chilling scene, showing the victim motionless on the ground with the wire still emitting smoke.
Though the victim’s full identity had not been officially confirmed at the time of this report, local residents said he was a recently married man.
The Managing Director/CEO of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, Ossy Onuko, who reacted to the development on Tuesday, described the incident as unfortunate, noting that such misfortunes are part of the reasons the agency carries out sensitisation and enforcement against building or trading under the high-tension wire.
Onuko also noted that during the sensitisation, people often criticise them for their enforcement against trading under the high tension wire.
READ ALSO: Suspected Vandal Electrocuted While Tampering With TCN Tower in Ebonyi
He said, “This is something we have been campaigning against from time to time, that it is very dangerous to build or trade under the high-tension wire.
“It is part of the reasons why most times, on social media, we are vilified as being inhumane for trying to let people know that they cannot either build or trade under the tension.
“It is something very pathetic. It’s a suicide mission to have your shop or your kiosk or your roadside activities under the tension. The avoidable loss of life is unfortunate. It is sadly one example of many negative outcomes and resultant effects of such an act of negligence to safety.
“That should serve as a deterrent to others who still indulge in such prohibited acts. This should also make the public understand that the sensitisation and enforcement being carried out by ACTDA against such things are not to witch-hunt them, but for their safety.
“Unfortunately, we have lost a soul. I pray for the peaceful repose of this soul. But also, it should serve as a deterrent to others, so that they shouldn’t just fold their arms and wait for us; when we come, they run away and return when we leave.
“People should see it as a personal responsibility to be safety conscious, and also enlighten others, not just themselves. No precious life is worth being lost to such a careless and avoidable death. A stitch in time saves nine.”