Four Electrocuted As Canopy Hits Live Wire At Chieftaincy Party

There was confusion in the Idimu area of Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, after three party guests and a truck motor boy were electrocuted during a chieftaincy celebration.

According to reports, the yet-to-be-identified motor boy was said to have died on the spot.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, November 11, during a party organised by a community member who had just been honoured with a chieftaincy title.

The celebration was held on Anjorin Street, where several canopies were erected for guests. ‎

The tragedy struck when a truck attempting to navigate the street was obstructed by one of the canopies mounted across the road.

Witnesses said some party attendees, joined by one of the truck’s occupants, tried to lift the canopy to allow the vehicle to pass.

In the process of moving the structure to one side, its metal frame reportedly came into contact with an exposed electric cable.

An eyewitness, Femi Ajiboye, said the victims were electrocuted instantly.

“The coronation anniversary had been ongoing for a week, and the celebrant decided to host his own party after receiving his title. The truck carrying sand tried to access a new estate at the end of the street but was blocked by the canopy.

“When people tried to lift it, they didn’t realise a naked wire was lying on the ground. The moment the frame touched the live wire, they were shocked. People only understood what had happened when they saw them collapse,” he said.

The electrocution brought the celebration to an abrupt end, with guests scampering for safety.

Another resident, identified only as Olajide, said the four victims were rushed to the hospital, where the motor boy was confirmed dead on arrival.

“The whole place was thrown into panic. The three guests survived and are being treated, but the motor boy didn’t make it,” he added.

He said the deceased’s family later took custody of his remains for burial.

When contacted on Sunday for comments after the development became known, the state Police Public Relations Officer said she had not received any briefing on the matter.

“I called the DPO in that area, and she said no such case was reported at the station,” she said.