No fewer than five persons were electrocuted on Monday while trying to erect a billboard in the Obiri-Ikwerre axis of Rumuosi in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Four others who received life-threatening burns are currently battling for their lives at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital where they were rushed for treatment.
According to reports, the billboard, a major outdoor advertisement, had a metal frame that touched a high-tension cable, causing a spark.
The nine men were said to have lifted the gigantic structure when its metal component touched the cable and immediately conducted current.
The current was said to have gripped and shocked five of them to death while four others were said to be in critical condition.
The victims, according to reports, were private businessmen contracted to mount the billboard for a church.
Spokesperson of the state police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident to Punch News, describing it as unfortunate.
She stated, “Yes we are aware. It is very unfortunate. Investigation is ongoing to ascertain what really happened.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
