Transformer explosion kills pregnant woman, 5 others in Abuja

  – Six people were killed when a transformer exploded at the Tundunwada area of Lugbe, a satellite town in the FCT

 – Four people were critically injured during the incident 

– The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company said investigation had commenced into the incident 

There was pandemonium at the Tundunwada area of Lugbe, a satellite town in the Federal Capital Territory when a transformer exploded and electrocuted six people, including a pregnant woman. 

Four people were critically injured during the incident, including a six-year-old boy, Destiny Okolo, who suffered injuries on his face and left ear, The Punch reports. 

The incident was said to have happened around 9pm on Saturday, July 2.

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The transformer was reportedly on fire for about 10 minutes during which it sent devastating electric current to some residential apartments in the area. 

Report has it that the yet to be identified pregnant woman, whose name could not be immediately ascertained wanted to switch off her fan when she was electrocuted and her son raised an alarm, alerting her neighbours to her death. 

According to 24-year-old Geoffrey Atoh, his friend, Joseph Terva, was electrocuted as he was about stepping out of his apartment. Narrating how his 22-year-old brother, Joseph Moses died, Donald Dooga said: 

“When Joseph saw the explosion and the huge fire from the transformer, he rushed to the switchboard to change the fuse, but he was electrocuted in the process. Somebody told me that my brother had been electrocuted, so, we rushed him to the hospital, but he died on the way.” 

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Donald Terlumun, who survived the incident said he was dozing in his room when he heard screams outside and as he attempted to step out, he was jolted by the electric current. 

“I shouted and made for the door again and the next thing was that I was flung outside where I hit my face on the ground. I later opened my eyes to find myself in the hospital,” 

he said. One of the residents, Nathaniel Nyinjo, blamed the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) for the incident. “The AEDC has already admitted its fault and promised to visit us during the Sallah holiday. But if they failed to compensate the injured and the families of the deceased, they should forget about restoring power around here and we will take them to court,” he added. 

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Also speaking, a community leader, Felix Omeje blamed the AEDC for the tragedy, attributing the explosion to a wrong connection by the power firm. 

Oyebode Fadipe, the AEDC head of corporate communications and community relations, said investigation had commenced into the incident.