Power surge kills 4, injures 8 in Katsina

A devastating power surge caused by malfunctioning high-voltage lines has left four people dead and eight others injured in the Sabuwar Unguwa community of Katsina State.

The incident occurred on Friday evening during a windstorm, which reportedly caused two high-tension power lines to collide. The resulting electrical surge sent dangerously high voltage into residential homes.

Many victims were electrocuted while using or coming into contact with household appliances, particularly refrigerators.

According to eyewitnesses, three individuals — two women and a man — died on the spot, while a fourth victim passed away later at the hospital.

One of the deceased, a mother of three, was electrocuted while trying to turn off the family refrigerator, her husband, Sani Ibrahim, confirmed.

Eight other residents, mostly women, sustained burns to their hands and backs. They are currently receiving medical treatment, with three in critical condition at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina.

The surge also destroyed more than 55 refrigerators and other electrical appliances in the area, raising serious concerns about the state of power infrastructure and the responsiveness of utility companies.

Despite the gravity of the situation, officials from the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) have not released an official statement.

Local KEDCO staff directed all inquiries to the company’s headquarters in Kano.

The deceased have been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites.

The Star