An electrician identified simply as Sheni has been electrocuted while fixing some wiring connections at UNILAG Estate in the Magodo area of Lagos State.
TheNigerian Metro learnt on Thursday that the tragic incident occurred at about 5 pm on New Year’s Day.
Some residents in the estate were said to have requested Sheni’s service after experiencing a power outage.
A resident in the area who craved anonymity due to the nature of the incident said the electrician had mounted the pole and was fixing the wiring connections when the electricity was immediately restored.
The resident said he became motionless and was next seen dangling from the electric pole.
“He was called to fix some wiring connections and immediately got to work when he arrived. It was while he was fixing it that the light was restored to the high-tension wire. That was how he got electrocuted. We didn’t know until we discovered he was no longer moving. The next thing we saw was how he gradually bent backwards and started to dangle while up there. We also called his name but he did not respond.”
Another resident who identified himself simply as Dapo said the incident was quickly reported at the police station, and emergency responders were also alerted.
He said an anti-crime patrol team, including men from the fire service and Lagos State Ambulance Services, later arrived at the scene.
“Unfortunately, despite efforts to save him, Sheni’s body was eventually lowered to the ground, where he was confirmed dead,” Dapo disclosed.
A police source in the community told our correspondent that efforts were ongoing to identify Sheni’s relatives while an investigation into the incident was ongoing.
“We have taken the body to the morgue while efforts are ongoing to identify the deceased’s relatives. Investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, could not be reached as calls made to his phone were not responded to. A text message sent to him had yet to be responded to as of the time this report was filed.
