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PHCN cable electrocutes pregnant woman and 6 others in Oyo

Tragedy struck in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital on Monday, when six people including a pregnant woman, were electrocuted to death after an electric cable, … Continue reading PHCN cable electrocutes pregnant woman and 6 others in Oyo


Tragedy struck in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital on Monday, when six people including a pregnant woman, were electrocuted to death after an electric cable, belonging to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), fell from an electric pole.

The unfortunate incident occurred in the Apata market of the ancient city when the live high tension power supply cable suddenly fell on traders at the busy Agbekoja section of the market.

However, a one-year-old boy survived the incident and he is said to be receiving treatment at a hospital.

Eye witness accounts identified the deceased pregnant woman simply as Tawa, adding that her mother who was also standing beside her was also a victim of the electrocution.

Complaints have however been made to PHCN about the congestion of the poles, and that the incident was not the first.

Many other traders at the spot sustained injuries and were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention.

Speaking with journalists over the electrocution, the Chairman, Ibadan South West Local Government Community Development Council, Alhaji Lasisi Bamidele Popoola lamented that this is the third time this year that the PHCN wire at Apata has been cutting off and falling, explaining that one person was killed in a similar circumstance in the area sometime last year.

Meanwhile, the Apata Market has been temporarily closed down to enable the PHCN management effect thorough repairs to the disconnected high tension wire.

Authorities of the Ibadan South West Local Government Council have also declared a three-day mourning for the electrocuted victims.