Five individuals lost their lives due to electrocution while attempting to erect a billboard in the Obiri-Ikwerre area of Rumuosi, located in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. The incident occurred on Monday.
An additional four individuals sustained severe burns and are currently undergoing treatment at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. The victims were urgently transported to the hospital for medical care.
Daily News 24 understand s that the incident reportedly took place when a prominent outdoor advertisement billboard, featuring a metal frame, inadvertently came into contact with a high-tension cable, leading to a spark.
The incident involved a group of nine men who were collectively lifting the sizable billboard structure.
Tragically, the metal component of the billboard came into contact with the high-tension cable, resulting in the flow of electric current.
This unexpected surge of electricity claimed the lives of five individuals, while the remaining four are currently in a critical condition due to the electric shock they experienced.
The victims, identified as private businessmen, were contracted to install the billboard for a new generation church in the area.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the state Police Command, confirmed the unfortunate incident.
She expressed the sorrowful nature of the event and stated that an ongoing investigation is ongoing to determine the exact circumstances of the incident.
Some pictures from the scene:
