Transformer explosion kills 10 in Nigeria
An explosion left many dead and wounded in the Nigerian Kabong community in the Jos North Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.
Image for illustration purposes.
Nigeria, Kabong: An explosion left many dead and wounded in the Nigerian Kabong community, Jos North Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.
The Jos Electricity Distribution Company has expressed sadness over the transformer explosion which left no fewer than 10 persons dead in the Kabong community, Jos North Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State in Nigeria. THISDAY gathered that no fewer than 25 shops and houses were also razed in the early morning inferno that spread to the neighbourhood. Among the victims were a man, his wife and child.
It was gathered that the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, was triggered when one of the high-tension wires snapped and fell on a transformer serving the affected areas. It sent shockwaves said to have spread to nearby shops and residential apartments, razing every available item within reach, especially electronic gadgets like sound systems, fridges, fans and air conditioners.
While some of the victims died on the spot, others at the Bingham University Teaching Hospital (Jankwano) where they were rushed to. Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, who confirmed the incident, said that the explosion is suspected to have been caused by a power surge.
In a statement on Saturday, the Head of Corporate Communications of the Jos Electricity Distribution Company, Dr. Friday Adakole, said that preliminary investigation revealed that the accident was a result of a high-tension line snap onto the low-tension lines which resulted in a voltage supply outside limits.
“The source feeder tripped off and inter-tripped the Transmission end source from Makeri Transmission Station. We will continue to be monitoring the situation closely and communicate the facts of this regrettable incident. Equally, an evaluation of the root causes is underway, and appropriate measures will be put in place to avert future occurrences,” he explained.
Source: Arise News