TRAGEDY struck at Apata-Ganga area of Ibadan in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State on Monday morning, as a high tension wire snapped and killed seven people, among whom were a pregnant woman and a nursing mother.

The incident occurred at the popular Agbekoya Market, when the traders were busy transacting business at the vegetable section of the farmers’ market when the wire suddenly snapped and fell on them at about 6.30 a.m.

The victims, who included a pregnant woman, identified as Tawa, and her mother, were electrocuted immediately the high tension wire snapped.

However, a one-year-old baby boy was lucky as he was rescued from the scene of the incident.

The infant was rescued unhurt though his mother, who was backing him when the wire fell on her died immediately.

Other traders who were at the spot sustained injuries and were rushed to hospitals for medical treatment.

A youth leader in the area, Wahab Bamidele, led other youths in the community on a rescue mission.

Speaking with Nigerian Tribune, Bamidele said the incident was a result of the early morning rain.

Following the incident, commercial activities were totally paralysed at the ever-busy morning market, as farmers and traders immediately stopped business transactions.

Commercial bus drivers also stopped business, while commercial motorcycle operators were busy with the rescue operation.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Apata Unit Commander, Mathew Cyril Zango, who confirmed the incident, said that the traders were those selling vegetables at the market.

According to him, the incident happened around 6.30 a.m. and it claimed seven lives.

He said that five of the deceased had been taken to an unknown place while the remaining two were seen on the gound when he arrived at the scene.

Meanwhile, the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) has sympa-thised with the government and people of Oyo State on the incident.

In a press statement issued and signed by the Principal Manager (Public Affairs) of the organisation, Mr Jide Oyenuga, a copy of which was made available to the Nigerian Tribune, on Monday, the PHCN management, however, reminded the general public of the regional planning law, which stipulated that the mandatory distance of 5.5 meters, 15.5 and 25 metres must be observed as setbacks in relation to low tension, 11KV and 33KV lines respectively, in order to avoid any form of accident in the event of line failure.

While saying that the accident involved an 11KV feeder radiating from Apata 2x15MVA 33/11KV injection substation around 5.50 a.m on Monday, the management urged members of the public to bear in mind that the electrical materials were presently exposed to mother nature, which made them vulnerable to wear and tear, adding that accident could happen without notice within technical limitations.

It said on several occasions, the management had taken the issue of occupying power line routes to the government, media and expended a lot to educate the public on the danger of occupying power line routes.

The PHCN, however, used the medium to call on those who had structures under the power lines to relocate immediately, to save lives and properties.

Comments (4)

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written by EBONY, June 26, 2012

where there is a good government, they enforce the law and make sure nobody build anything under the power line. but ............................nigeriaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!

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written by francis cole, June 26, 2012

Why they errect their shops under high tension wires? I advice the goverment and PHCN to start demolishing all the shops under high tension through out federation.

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