Tragedy struck in Nkwoagu, Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, when Peter Ugochukwu Odom, 35, from Oyinkwa village in Amachi Community, was electrocuted while erecting a concrete pole.
The deceased, who worked with Ibortic Concrete Investment Ltd, was part of a team contracted to deliver and mount new poles in the area. According to eyewitnesses, the accident occurred when the pole being erected accidentally came in contact with a live high-tension wire.
Confirming the incident, the Managing Director of the company, Mr. Peter Ibor Chukwuemeka, who is also the elder brother of the deceased, expressed deep grief over the loss.
“We were called for the job. The customer assured my boys that power had already been disconnected from the high-tension line in the area. Unfortunately, that information was false,” he explained.
“While attempting to erect the pole, it mistakenly touched the high-tension wire, and my brother got electrocuted instantly.”
Mr. Chukwuemeka added that the victim was first rushed to the military clinic within the cantonment, and later transferred to the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital (AE-FUTHA II), where doctors confirmed him dead.
He described the deceased as a diligent staff member and the breadwinner of his young family, noting that he had worked with the company for more than three years.
The victim’s uncle, Mr. Ezeode Samuel, also confirmed the tragedy, describing it as a “great loss” to the family. He disclosed that burial arrangements would be announced after consultations with family members.
The remains of the deceased have since been deposited at the hospital mortuary.
The incident has raised concerns about safety compliance in utility-related jobs, especially in areas where electricity lines remain active during installations.
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