Three Workers Die From Electric Shock in Anambra

Three men have died from electric shock in Onitsha, Anambra State. They were trying to put up an iron pole for a water tank when it fell onto an 11kV electricity line.

The incident happened on Monday at No. 123, Old Port Harcourt Road, Fegge. The owner of a two-storey building had hired a contractor to drill a borehole.

The victims were Chukwudi Ukwa, Frank Okafor, and Somadina Nwabuike. They came with the contractor and were trying to erect the pole when it touched the electricity line, electrocuting them.

Police officers from the Fegge Division took the bodies to the General Hospital, Onitsha. Officers confirmed the incident to our reporter on Tuesday but spoke on condition of anonymity.

The building owner, known only as Mr Steven, is helping the police with their investigation into what happened.

FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited reacted to the deaths. They expressed concern and said the incident reminds everyone of the dangers of working near overhead electricity lines without following safety rules.

In a statement from their Head of Communications, Izunna Okafor, they warned property owners, contractors and artisans not to set up water tanks or handle long metal objects close to power lines without safety clearance.

They explained that metal objects can conduct electricity when they touch power lines. This can lead to fatal electric shocks, even if the workers do not touch the wires directly.

The statement said, "FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited has expressed concern over the death of three men who were reportedly electrocuted on Monday, October 19, 2026, at No. 123, Old Port Harcourt Road, Fegge, Onitsha, Anambra State, after an iron pole they were attempting to erect for a water tank fell onto an 11kV electricity line."

The company added that the incident took place at a site where the building owner had hired a contractor for the borehole. The contractor and three workers were there when the pole fell onto the overhead electricity line, leading to their deaths.

The company stressed that such incidents show the need for proper safety measures during construction, borehole drilling, and tank installation near power lines.

Okafor pointed out that following electrical safety rules could prevent accidents. Property owners, contractors, artisans, and the public should keep people and materials at a safe distance from overhead lines.

He also mentioned that the company runs safety awareness campaigns in markets, motor parks, streets, schools, and communities in Anambra State. These campaigns warn against building, setting up stalls, or other activities close to electricity line rights-of-way without safety clearance.

The statement also warned against setting up trading stalls, canopies, and water tanks, as well as erecting scaffolding near electricity infrastructure. Such actions can put workers, passers-by, and nearby residents at risk.

The company urged property owners to make sure contractors consider overhead electricity lines before starting work on borehole drilling, building construction, water tank installation, and roofing.

They advised contractors and artisans to check their work areas, maintain safety distances, and avoid lifting or erecting metal poles near overhead lines without professional guidance and safety measures.

The public was also warned not to touch fallen electricity wires or move objects in contact with power lines. They were advised to report electrical hazards immediately and keep away from affected areas.

Efforts to get a comment from the police through the state command’s spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, were unsuccessful. Calls and messages to his phone were not answered on Tuesday.