The incident occurred on Monday, October 19, 2026, at No. 123, Old Port Harcourt Road, Fegge, Onitsha, according to DAILY POST.
Sources said the victims were part of a contractor’s team engaged by the owner of a two-storey building to carry out borehole work at the premises.
The men were reportedly attempting to erect the iron pole when it fell onto the overhead electricity line, electrocuting all three of them.
The victims were identified as Chukwudi Ukwa, Frank Okafor and Somadina Nwabuike. Their bodies were subsequently taken to the General Hospital, Onitsha, by police officers from the Fegge Division.
The building owner, identified as Mr Steven, was reportedly assisting the police with their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Reacting to the tragedy, FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited expressed concern over the deaths, describing the incident as a reminder of the dangers associated with carrying out construction and installation work close to overhead power lines without observing the necessary safety precautions.
The company’s Head of Communications, Izunna Okafor, warned that metal objects could conduct electricity when they come into contact with energised power lines, potentially causing fatal electrocution even when the individuals handling them do not directly touch the wires.
He said the company would continue to conduct electricity safety awareness campaigns in markets, motor parks, streets, schools and communities across Anambra State to discourage dangerous activities around electricity infrastructure.
The company also warned residents against unauthorised construction, trading stalls, canopies, scaffolding, water tanks and the handling of long metal objects within electricity line corridors.
It urged residents to report hazardous activities and encroachment on power line corridors before they result in further loss of lives.
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