By STANLEY NWANOSIKE

MainPower Electricity Distribution Ltd. (MEDL) has confirmed the death of an operations staff member in an electrical accident in Enugu State.

The company’s Head of Communications, Mr Emeka Ezeh, confirmed the incident in Enugu on Monday.

Ezeh said the incident occurred on Aug. 13 at Eke, Udi Local Government Area, at about 1 p.m.

He identified the deceased as Mr Samson Okechi, Team Lead, Abor, attached to MEDL’s 9th Mile District.

According to him, Okechi was carrying out maintenance work on a 50kVA/11kV pole-mounted distribution substation when the accident occurred.

“Okechi was carrying out maintenance work on a 50kVA/11kV pole-mounted distribution substation at Eke when he sustained an electric shock,” Ezeh said.

He said Okechi was immediately evacuated to Our Saviour Hospital, Ngwo, for medical attention following the electric shock.

“Okechi was immediately evacuated to Our Saviour Hospital, Ngwo, for medical attention but was pronounced dead by the doctor on duty,” he said.

Ezeh added that Okechi’s remains were subsequently deposited at a mortuary, while the incident was reported to Ngwo Police Station.

He said the police report was made for documentation and other necessary statutory actions following the fatal workplace accident.

Ezeh also dismissed social media claims alleging that Okechi was murdered or that sabotage caused the incident.

“I wonder why some people take pleasure in conjuring unfounded narratives and circulating them, thereby creating unnecessary tension and bad blood.

“This is so unfair,” Ezeh added, urging members of the public to disregard the claims as baseless.

According to him, Okechi had requested a Station Guarantee (SG) for the Okwe 11kV Feeder before commencing the maintenance operation.

Ezeh said the SG was granted at about 11:06 a.m. at the 9th Mile Injection Substation.

He explained that the feeder was subsequently opened and tagged as part of the operational safety procedure.

“This is a very unfortunate development and a big shock to all of us, his colleagues.

“Our hearts go out to his immediate family as they grieve,” he added.

The spokesman disclosed that MEDL management had begun a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

He said the investigation would establish the immediate, underlying and root causes of the incident.

“We are committed to ensuring that the investigation is thorough and evidence-based,” Ezeh said.

He explained that the findings would help identify operational gaps and determine appropriate corrective measures.

“The findings will be used to identify any gaps, determine appropriate corrective measures, and strengthen safety procedures and operational controls,” he said.

Ezeh assured customers and stakeholders that safety remained a paramount priority across MEDL’s operations.

He added that the company would implement appropriate measures based on the outcome of the ongoing investigation. (NAN)

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