Tipper Driver Electrocuted By High-tension Cable In Akwa Ibom

A tipper driver, identified as Edu Obot, was electrocuted while trying to tip sand under a high-tension power line at Utu Ikot Ekpenyong village in Ikot Ekpene local government area of Akwa Ibom State, LEADERSHIP learnt at the weekend.

Confirming the incident, the state Police Command said the tragedy occurred around 8:30 am, and was reported by the tipper owner, simply named Mr. Peter, at the Ikot Ekpene Divisional Police Headquarters.

Police detectives who visited the scene confirmed that “the victim died instantly after his vehicle made contact with, or came dangerously close to the overhead power cables.”

The remains of the deceased, according to the Police, were later evacuated and deposited at a local mortuary, while his family was notified of the sad incident.

The commissioner of Police (CP), Baba Azare, described the occurrence as “a preventable tragedy.”

He noted the recurring nature of incidents involving construction workers and tipper drivers who operate carelessly around high-voltage lines

Azare warned tipper operators, sand excavators, and construction sites’ managers to desist from tipping or operating heavy machinery directly beneath electrical installations.

“Electrocution is an immediate and fatal risk. The immense electrical power carried by these cables can arc or jump to machinery, especially at close range, with lethal consequences,” the Command warned.

To avert future loss of life, the Police advised workers in the sector to survey their environment, maintain safe distances, and obey all warning signs when working around power lines.

“Safety is non-negotiable. No amount of convenience or speed is worth the risk of human life,” the Command stressed, adding that “a discreet investigation into the incident has commenced to determine if any safety regulations were violated during the operation.”