Yemisi Izuora
The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, PHED, has advised the public particularly those under its network to avoid erecting structures under high tension wires.
The warning was coming after the UNICAL 11kv feeder snapped thursday night at Akpanden Street, Atimbo, Calabar, resulting in the death of 7 persons and 11 others injured.
Chief Operating Officer, COO, of PHED Engr. Kingsley Achife, who commiserated with the families of those who died as a result of the electrical accident, warned members of the public and indeed the customers, to always adhere to safety rules by not erecting any structure under PHED high tension lines.
Engr. Achife also sympathized with those who sustained various degrees of injuries during the unfortunate incident.
“Our heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families. May God give the families the courage to bear the loss. “We also sympathize with those who sustained injuries and wish them quick recovery”, he said.
The COO who expressed displeasure over the incident, said the affected feeder has been isolated as a safety measure to ensure that lives and properties are secured, adding that an investigation team has been constituted with a view to finding out the remote and immediate causes of the accident.
He, however, urged the residents to remain calm and law abiding and to accord the team the necessary support during the investigation.
Achife thanked the law enforcement agencies who responded quickly and ensured that the victims were taken to the Teaching Hospital.
His appreciation also went to the Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, who through his deputy came to the scene of the incident and calmed the nerves of the affected community.