At least five billboard installers were electrocuted to death, while several others critically injured, while trying to mount a metal signpost at Rumuosi axis of East West Road in Obio/Akpor local government area of Rivers State.
The incident happened on Monday when the metal billboard they were trying to install had contact with a high tension cable, thereby causing sparks which led to the death of five of the workers on the spot while four others were rushed to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital for treatment.
The nine men were said to have lifted the gigantic structure when its metal component touched the cable and immediately conducted an electric current which gripped and shocked five of them to death.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the state Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, describing it as unfortunate.
She said, “Yes, we are aware. It is very unfortunate. Investigation is ongoing to ascertain what really happened. “
