By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Tragedy struck at the Fegge area of Onitsha on Wednesday following the death of three men that died from an accident involving high voltage power lines.

The victims, who were reportedly working on a construction project in the area, accidentally made contact with active electrical infrastructure when the tragedy occurred.

Information has it that local emergency services and utility officials arrived at the scene shortly after the incident occurred, but unfortunately, all three individuals were confirmed dead.

Following the incident, the regional electricity distribution company issued a statement mourning the loss of life.

The utility provider strongly reiterated its warnings to property owners and construction workers regarding the severe dangers of operating heavy equipment or conducting structural work near active power grids.

Reacting to the incident, the Head of Communications, FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company, Izunna Okafor, described the incident as a reminder of the dangers of carrying out construction and installation work close to overhead electricity lines without observing the required safety precaution.

He said: “Metal objects that come into contact with energised electricity lines could conduct current and cause fatal electrocution, even when those handling them do not deliberately touch the wires,” he said.

“We will continue to conduct electricity safety awareness campaigns in markets, motor parks, streets, schools and communities across Anambra State to discourage dangerous activities around electricity infrastructure.

“Electricity line corridors are not safe spaces for unauthorised buildings, trading stalls, canopies, scaffolding, water tanks or the handling of long metal objects.”

The company urged residents to report hazardous activities and encroachment on electricity line corridors before they result in further loss of lives.