Man escapes electrocution as power line sparks despite ‘Switch-Off’ at MKO Abiola Stadium

Man escapes eletrocution as power line sparks despite ‘Switch-Off’ at MKO Abiola Stadium

A man narrowly escaped death after being electrocuted while working on a high-tension electric cable at the Package B section of the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja, reports www.sportsunlimited.com.ng.

The incident occurred behind the perimeter fence of the FIFA Goal Project building during the just concluded Para Games.

According to eyewitnesses, a group of men believed to be staff of the Power Holding Company, PHC, were seen working on a high-voltage line when a loud bang drew the attention of people nearby. One of the workers atop the pole was electrocuted and left dangling for over eight minutes.

At first, onlookers and passersby thought he was dead. His colleagues fled the scene in panic. Moments later, they returned after realizing he was still alive, groaning in pain as electricity continued to course through his body.

A man suspected to be their supervisor frantically called their base, demanding that the power supply be completely shut off because a worker’s life was in danger. Witnesses heard them confirm over the phone that the line had been switched off. Yet, sparks were still visible from the cable, raising questions about why current was still flowing.

Summoning courage, one of the workers grabbed a cutter, severed the live wire, and used a stick to push it aside. Still, the man on the pole continued to writhe in pain. In a desperate bid to survive, he struggled free and fell from the pole.

Miraculously, he survived the fall and electrocution. He was immediately rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.

Efforts to get comments from one of the workers who later returned to retrieve their tools were unsuccessful. As he approached, the line began sparking again, forcing everyone to flee the area.

. Contributed by Abdul Momoh