Tragedy Strikes as Electrocution Claims Five Lives During Church Signage Installation

 

In a heart-wrenching incident that has sent shockwaves through Rumuosi Community in Rivers State, tragedy struck on Monday as five young lives were lost due to electrocution during a church signage installation. The unfortunate incident has sparked both sorrow and concern, leading to the sealing of the church premises by the Rivers State Signage and Advertising Agency (RSSAA) and the subsequent arrest of the church's assistant pastor.

The ill-fated endeavor involved a group of nine youths who were working diligently to erect a metal structure intended for the display of the church's signage. However, a deadly turn of events occurred when the metal frame inadvertently came into contact with a live high-tension wire. The resulting electrocution led to the immediate loss of five lives, while the remaining four workers are currently hospitalized due to the severity of their injuries.

As the community reels from the shock of the tragedy, it has been revealed that the church was the owner of the metal structure that caused the fatal electrocution. This detail has prompted the RSSAA to take swift action, sealing off the church premises pending the outcome of a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

The gravity of the situation has also caught the attention of the state police command, who promptly arrested the assistant pastor of the church. Grace Iringe-Koko, the Public Relations Officer of the police command, disclosed that the investigation is ongoing and that the arrested individual will play a pivotal role in assisting with the process.

Tony Okeha, the Managing Director of RSSAA, expressed regret over the incident while underscoring the importance of adhering to proper protocols. Okeha emphasized that the church and the individuals involved did not seek government approval for the signage installation, which is a significant factor in the tragic outcome. He warned against unauthorized installations and the potential dangers they pose, including visual impairments and accidents.

This heart-rending incident serves as a somber reminder of the critical importance of following established regulations and safety procedures when engaging in construction activities. As the community mourns the loss of young lives, it is also a call to action for both individuals and organizations to prioritize safety and adhere to guidelines to prevent such devastating accidents in the future.