A heartbreaking incident occurred in the Olomore Housing Estate, Abeokuta, Ogun State, resulting in the electrocution of a 15-year-old girl whose identity has been withheld to respect the privacy of the family.
The incident took place on Sunday at approximately 11:50 PM when the girl ventured to a well within the estate to fetch water.
According to reports, the young girl had left to fetch water during a power outage in the compound. Unfortunately, power was restored while she was in the process of drawing water from the well. Tragically, the teenager was electrocuted by a bare cable connected to the pumping machine inside the well immediately after the power was reinstated.
The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the unfortunate incident. In a WhatsApp message, Odutola stated, “A case of electrocution was reported to the Divisional Police Officer of Lafenwa by one Onyekachi Silas. Onyekachi reported that his younger brother received a distressing phone call on the night of March 31, 2024, at approximately 11:50 PM, informing him about the incident involving a 15-year-old girl (name withheld), who happens to be his wife’s younger sister and is residing with them.”
“Onyekachi further explained that there was a power outage in the house, and during this time, the girl went to the well to fetch water. Unfortunately, while she was retrieving water, the power was restored, resulting in her tragic electrocution caused by a live cable connected to the pumping machine inside the well. She was immediately rushed to the hospital, where the attending doctor pronounced her dead. The investigation has commenced, and the body has been transferred to the Oke Lantoro morgue.”
It is disheartening to note that this incident follows a similar tragedy that took place on November 7, 2023, in Unity Estate, Aregbe, the capital of Ogun State. An electrician lost his life while assisting a neighbor in fixing an electrical fault. The power was unexpectedly restored while he was working on an electrical pole, resulting in his fatal electrocution.
These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with electrical installations and the importance of adhering to safety protocols. Authorities are urged to investigate the circumstances surrounding such incidents thoroughly and reinforce safety measures to prevent further tragedies of this nature from occurring in the future.