Three men electrocuted while installing water tank in Anambra

Three men have died from electrocution in Fegge, Onitsha, Anambra State, after an iron pole they were using to install a water tank fell onto an overhead electricity line.

The incident occurred on Monday, October 19, 2026, at No. 123, Old Port Harcourt Road, where the owner of a two-storey building had engaged a contractor to carry out borehole work, according to reports, the electricity distribution company, FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited.

The victims were identified as Chukwudi Ukwa, Frank Okafor and Somadina Nwabuike.

They were reportedly part of the contractor’s team working at the property and were attempting to erect an iron pole for a water tank when it came into contact with an 11-kilovolt (11kV) overhead power line, causing the men to be electrocuted.

Police officers from the Fegge Division subsequently evacuated the bodies to the General Hospital in Onitsha, according to the reports. The property owner, identified only as Mr Steven, was said to be assisting the police with their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Reacting to the deaths, FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company expressed concern over the incident and warned property owners, contractors and artisans against carrying out construction, borehole drilling and water-tank installation near overhead electricity lines without observing the required safety clearances.

In a statement signed by its Head of Communications, Izunna Okafor, the company explained that long metal objects could conduct electricity when they came into contact with energised power lines, potentially causing fatal electrocution even if those handling them did not deliberately touch the wires.

The company said such incidents could be prevented if contractors and property owners identified nearby electricity infrastructure before work began and ensured that equipment and materials were kept at safe distances from power lines.

It also warned against erecting water tanks, scaffolding, canopies and other structures within electricity-line corridors without the necessary clearance.

FirstPower urged residents to avoid touching fallen wires or attempting to move objects that may have come into contact with electricity lines. Members of the public were advised to keep away from suspected electrical hazards and report them to the company or the appropriate emergency authorities.

The company extended its condolences to the families and associates of the deceased, while calling for greater compliance with electrical safety precautions during construction and installation work.

The police investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The tragedy highlights the dangers of handling long metal structures near overhead electricity lines and the need for contractors to assess electrical hazards before commencing work.