A tragic fire outbreak triggered by a snapped high-tension electricity wire has claimed the life of a 30-year-old man, Olabosun Isiaka, in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday between 4am and 5am, happened in the Yakuba area after a high-tension wire supplying electricity to the neighbourhood reportedly collapsed.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the faulty wire had shown signs of imminent failure and had been reported to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) prior to the incident, but no action was taken
.
According to a resident, Seyi Adunbarin, the situation escalated when the snapped wire fell onto other connected lines, triggering a fire that spread rapidly across nearby buildings.
“The wire had been weak for some time and was reported, but nothing was done. When it finally snapped, it caused a fire that affected surrounding houses,” he said.
Residents were seen scrambling to contain the situation, attempting to disconnect power supply from their homes to prevent further damage.
Related News:
Bandits Attack Kwara Church, Abduct Worshippers
Gunmen attack Edu community in Kwara
Armed Bandits Abduct Female Passengers in Kwara
Kwara: Man Locked Inside Hotel Room by Sex Worker Dies in FireIlorin, Kwara State
In the chaos, Isiaka reportedly got caught in the fire while trying to remove a fuse and was fatally injured.
The deceased, a graduate of Kwara State Polytechnic, had only recently completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme in December and was said to be working towards building his future.
His younger brother also sustained burn injuries during the incident and is currently receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.
The matter was reported to the Oke-Oyi Police Division, while the victim’s remains were later deposited at a mortuary in Oyun after his family arrived from Lagos.
As of the time of filing this report, residents expressed frustration over the lack of immediate accountability despite prior warnings about the faulty infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Fire Service confirmed that the fire was caused by a fallen high-tension wire. The agency’s spokesperson, Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, stated that the issue has since been addressed by IBEDC officials.
The incident has sparked public outcry, with residents calling on authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
About the Author
