Newly Married POS Operator Electrocuted After High-Tension Cable Snaps in Anambra

• The tragic incident, which occurred over the weekend in front of his shop located beneath the power line, was captured in a viral video showing the lifeless body with the cable still emitting smoke.

A newly married POS operator in Nibo, Awka South LGA, Anambra State, was electrocuted after a high-tension cable snapped and fell on him.

The tragic incident, which occurred over the weekend in front of his shop located beneath the power line, was captured in a viral video showing the lifeless body with the cable still emitting smoke.

Awka Capital Territory Development Authority MD, Ossy Onuko, described the incident as unfortunate and stressed the need for continuous sensitization against trading or building under high-tension wires.

“This is something we have been campaigning against from time to time, that it is very dangerous to build or trade under the high-tension wire,” he said.

“In fact, it is part of the reasons why most times, on social media, we are vilified as being inhumane for trying to let people know that they cannot either build or trade under the high tension.

“It is something very pathetic. It’s a suicide mission to have your shop or your kiosk or your roadside activities under the high tension. The avoidable loss of life is unfortunate. It is sadly one example of many negative outcomes and resultant effects of such an act of negligence to safety.

“That should serve as a deterrent to others who still indulge in such a prohibited act. This should also make the public understand that the sensitisation and enforcement being carried out by ACTDA against such things are not to witch-hunt them but for their own safety.

“Unfortunately, we have lost a life. I pray for the peaceful repose of this soul. But also, it should serve as a deterrent to others, that they shouldn’t just fold their arms and wait for us; when we come, they run away and return when we leave.

“People should see it as a personal responsibility to be safety conscious and also enlighten others, not just themselves. No precious life is worth being lost to such a careless and avoidable death. A stitch in time saves nine.”