TRAGEDY IN ONITSHA: THREE MEN ELECTROCUTED WHILE ERECTING WATER TANK POLE

Three men have been electrocuted in Onitsha, Anambra State, after an iron pole they were attempting to erect for a water tank fell onto an 11kV overhead electricity line.

The incident occurred on Monday, October 19, 2026, at No. 123, Old Port Harcourt Road, Fegge, Onitsha.

THE VICTIMS

The deceased were identified as Chukwudi Ukwa, Frank Okafor and Somadina Nwabuike.

According to reports, the owner of a two-storey building at the address had engaged a contractor to sink a borehole for him. The contractor arrived at the premises with three workers, who were attempting to erect an iron pole for a water tank when the pole fell onto the overhead electricity line, electrocuting all three men instantly.

Their bodies were subsequently taken to the General Hospital, Onitsha, by police officers from the Fegge Division. The building owner, identified simply as Mr Steven, was said to be assisting the police with their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

THE WARNING FROM FIRSTPOWER

FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited expressed concern over the deaths, describing 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 precautions.

In a statement signed by its Head of Communications, Izunna Okafor, the company explained that metal objects that come into contact with energised electricity lines could conduct current and cause fatal electrocution, even when those handling them did not deliberately touch the wires.

“An iron pole or other long metal object that comes into contact with an energised power line can conduct electricity and cause instant fatal electrocution, even when those handling it do not deliberately touch the wire,” Okafor said.

The company said such incidents could be prevented if property owners, contractors, artisans and members of the public observed established electrical safety requirements and kept people, equipment and materials at a safe distance from overhead lines.

FirstPower said it had continued to conduct electricity safety awareness campaigns in markets, motor parks, streets, schools and communities across Anambra State, warning against building, trading, erecting structures or carrying out other activities near or within electricity line rights-of-way without the required safety clearance.

The company stressed that electricity line corridors are not safe spaces for unauthorised buildings, trading stalls, canopies, water tanks, scaffolding or the handling of long metal objects.

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It also urged residents not to touch fallen electricity wires or attempt to move objects that had come into contact with power lines, and to report suspected electrical hazards immediately.

WHY IT MATTERS

The deaths of Chukwudi Ukwa, Frank Okafor and Somadina Nwabuike are a grim reminder of the dangers of working near high-voltage power lines.

Long metal objects—poles, scaffolding, ladders—can act as conductors if they come into contact with energised wires. The result is often instant and fatal.

The tragedy in Onitsha was preventable. It is a reminder that safety protocols exist for a reason, and that ignoring them can cost lives.

ValidViewNetwork reports that the police investigation into the incident is ongoing.