Katcha highway electrocution incident in Niger leaves five dead and three injured after trailer strikes high-voltage power cables

Five persons have been confirmed dead and three others seriously injured following a tragic electrocution incident along the Kupafu–Essa village axis of the Katcha highway in Niger State.

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Deadly electrocution incident along Katcha highway Niger, occurred when a trailer transporting cartons of milk and passengers from Lagos to Kano encountered a traffic obstruction and attempted to bypass the congestion by diverting into a nearby bush path.

During the manoeuvre, the vehicle reportedly came into contact with high-voltage power cables, triggering a fatal electric shock that instantly killed five occupants, while three others sustained severe injuries.

Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that the injured victims were promptly taken to the Federal Medical Centre in Bida for emergency treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the General Hospital in Badeggi, Katcha.

Authorities also disclosed that the trailer driver fled the scene and remains at large, with efforts currently underway to apprehend him for investigation.

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The incident has been described as a devastating reminder of the dangers posed by unsafe road diversions and exposed electrical infrastructure along highways.