Four Electrocuted as Canopy Hits Live Wire at Lagos Chieftaincy Celebration

A chieftaincy celebration in the Idimu area of Lagos State descended into chaos after a canopy struck an exposed electric cable, electrocuting four people and leaving one dead.

The incident happened on Anjorin Street in Alimosho Local Government Area during a party organised for a resident recently honoured with a traditional title. Multiple canopies had been set up across the road to host guests.

Trouble began when a truck carrying sand attempted to drive through the street but was blocked by one of the canopies. Witnesses said several guests, along with a truck occupant, tried to lift the structure to make way for the vehicle.

As they moved the canopy to the side, its metal frame reportedly made contact with a live cable lying on the ground. The electrical surge instantly knocked down the individuals holding the structure.

“The coronation anniversary had been ongoing for days, and the celebrant was hosting his personal party. The truck driver wanted to access a new estate down the street but couldn’t pass because of the canopy,” witness Femi Ajiboye told our correspondent. “The moment the frame touched the naked wire, the shock was immediate. People only realised what happened when they saw them drop.”

Panic rippled through the gathering as guests scrambled for safety while others rushed to assist the victims.

A resident, identified as Olajide, said all four people were taken to a nearby hospital. The truck’s motor boy was pronounced dead on arrival, while the three party guests survived and are receiving treatment.

“The whole area was thrown into confusion,” he said. “The motor boy didn’t make it. His family later came to take the body for burial.”

Another resident recalled seeing the deceased shortly before the tragedy. “He had just bought diesel. Hearing he died barely half an hour later was shocking,” he said.

When contacted, the Lagos State Police Command said the incident had not been formally reported. “I called the DPO in that area, and she said no such case came to the station,” the Police Public Relations Officer stated.

Further attempts to obtain official police confirmation on Wednesday were unsuccessful.