A chieftaincy celebration in the Idimu area of Alimosho, Lagos State, descended into tragedy after four people were electrocuted when a canopy frame allegedly made contact with an exposed live wire.
The incident, which occurred on Anjorin Street on Tuesday, 11 November, claimed the life of a truck motor boy, while three party guests who also suffered electric shocks are currently receiving treatment.
Residents said the fatal accident unfolded during a week-long coronation celebration organised by a community member newly honoured with a traditional title. Canopies had been set up across the street to accommodate the large turnout of guests.
Trouble began when a truck transporting sand attempted to access a nearby estate but was obstructed by one of the canopies. Witnesses told our correspondent that some guests, along with the motor boy, attempted to lift the canopy to allow the truck to pass. Unknown to them, an exposed cable lay dangerously close.
Eyewitness Femi Ajiboye recounted the chaotic moment the metal frame struck the live wire.
“The moment it touched the cable, they fell immediately. People didn’t understand what happened until they saw them collapsing one after another,” he said.
Panic swept through the gathering as the celebration halted abruptly, with guests fleeing the scene.
Another resident, Olajide, said the victims were rushed to hospital, where the motor boy was confirmed dead on arrival.
“The three others survived and are still being treated, but the motor boy didn’t make it,” he said, adding that the deceased’s family later retrieved his body for burial.
A neighbour who saw the motor boy shortly before the incident expressed shock at the sudden turn of events.
“He had just bought diesel at the filling station. Hearing that he died not long after was devastating,” he said.
When contacted, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer said she had not received any official report from the Idimu Division.
“I called the DPO in that area, and she said no such case was reported at the station,” she stated.
Repeated attempts to obtain further clarification on Wednesday were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to her phone went unanswered.
