By Solomon OKPO
A routine sand delivery turned tragic in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State on Friday, October 17, 2025, when a tipper driver, identified as Mr. Edu Obot, was electrocuted while offloading sand beneath a high-tension power line at Utu Ikot Ekpenyong Village.
According to a statement issued by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, the incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. and was reported by the tipper owner, Mr. Peter, to the Ikot Ekpene Divisional Police Headquarters.
Police detectives who visited the scene confirmed that the victim died instantly after his vehicle’s raised bucket made contact with, or came dangerously close to, the overhead power cables. The body was later evacuated and deposited at a local mortuary, while the deceased’s family has been notified.
The Police Command described the occurrence as a preventable tragedy, lamenting the recurring nature of similar incidents involving construction workers and tipper drivers who operate carelessly around high-voltage lines.
In a stern warning, the Command urged tipper operators, sand excavators, and construction site managers to desist from tipping or operating machinery directly beneath electrical installations.
“Electrocution is an immediate and fatal risk. The immense electrical power carried by these cables can arc or jump to machinery, especially at close range, with lethal consequences,” the statement read.
To avert future loss of life, the Police advised workers in the sector to survey their environment, maintain safe distances, and obey all warning signs when working around power lines.
“Safety is non-negotiable. No amount of convenience or speed is worth the risk of human life,” the Command emphasized.
Meanwhile, a discreet investigation into the incident has commenced to determine if any safety regulations were violated during the operation.
SPONSORED
