Photo: PPRO Bright Edafe
Two electricity workers with the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), including an interim worker, have died after being electrocuted in two different Delta State communities on Friday.
The incident occurred amidst torrential downpours across the state on Friday.
Niger Daily news learnt that the incidents occurred in Ubeji and Otokutu communities of Warri South and Ughelli South local government areas.
Reports say the incidents happened while the workers were trying to disconnect electricity from homes that had not paid their bills.
“One worker was electrocuted near Nintendo Hotel in Ubeji, Warri South Local Government Area. The other died on Jeddo Street in Otokutu, Ughelli South Local Government Area,” a BEDC source revealed on condition of anonymity.
Our source, however, confirmed that the victim who died in Ubeji was just a part-time worker.
A viral online video revealed failed attempts by bystanders to rescue the men.
At the time this report was written, the cause of the incident was unknown, but there were rumours that the incident could have resulted from planning error.
The official telephone line of the BEDC’s communications officer in Warri, Helen Ogagarue, was off and so she could not be reached for comment.
The Delta State Police Command said the incidents were not officially reported, even though a source in the command said intelligence revealed of the incident.
