In Abuja: Transformer explodes, kills pregnant woman, others

Commotion struck at the Tundunwada area of Lugbe, a satellite town in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja after a transformer exploded and electrocuted six persons, including a pregnant woman to death and leaving about four persons critically wounded.

The transformer belonging to Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC, was on fire for about 10 minutes during which it sent devastating electric current to some residential apartments in the area, the Punch gathered.

The pregnant woman, who just relocated to the area wanted to switch off her fan when she was electrocuted. Her son was said to have raised the alarm which alerted her neighbours.

The community’s chief security officer, Geoffrey Ukeje, blamed the AEDC for the tragedy, attributing the explosion to a wrong connection by the power firm.

The Head, Corporate Communications and Community Relations, AEDC, Mr. Oyebode Fadipe, confirming the incident on Tuesday said investigation had commenced.

“The incident happened around 9pm on Saturday, four persons injured about six persons died.”

Fadipe, however, declined to speak about compensations for the victims as insisted by the victim’s families, until the cause of the accident had been established and a decision taken by the management.

Meanwhile, officials of the company were seen investigating the incident and pacifying the residents in the locality as at press tim