Electrocution incident claims 5 lives while erecting billboards in Rivers, 4 hospitalized

A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Rivers State, resulting in the tragic loss of five lives as they were engaged in erecting metal frames for billboards.

The unfortunate event took place in the Obiri-Ikwerre area of Rumuosi Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

Reports reveal that a team of nine men was in the process of installing a billboard structure when the metal frame unintentionally came into contact with a high-tension cable.

The resulting electrocution led to the immediate loss of five lives, while four others involved in the incident were rushed to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital for medical attention.

The victims, private businessmen who had been contracted to install a billboard for a church near the Obiri-Ikwerre flyover along the Rumuosi axis, found themselves in a tragic circumstance due to this unforeseen accident.

Passersby who witnessed the distressing incident promptly intervened and transported the affected individuals to the hospital, where, unfortunately, the five who had been electrocuted were pronounced dead.

In response to the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, expressed deep condolences and characterized the situation as a heart-wrenching occurrence.

She confirmed that the police have initiated an investigation into the matter and appealed for calm among the local community.

This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the potential risks associated with certain types of work, particularly when involving electrical installations and high-tension infrastructure.

The incident underscores the importance of adhering to safety protocols and regulations to prevent such unfortunate accidents in the future.