Transformer Explosion Kills 10, Razes 25 Shops in Plateau

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

The Jos Electricity Distribution Company has expressed sadness over yesterday’s transformer explosion, which left no fewer than 10 persons dead in the Kabong community, Jos North Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.

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 around 2am, was triggered when one of the high- tension wires snapped and fell on a transformer serving the affected areas.

The lightning sent a shockwave 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, THISDAY gathered that others gave up the ghost 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 six persons were killed.
He said the explosion was suspected to have been caused by a power surge.

Alabo said: “We are carrying out an investigation to know the real cause of the incident, but we suspect that it must have been caused by a power surge.”
In a statement yesterday, the Head of Corporate Communications of the Jos Electricity Distribution Company, Dr. Friday Adakole, extended the company’s sympathy to the families of those who encountered losses during the incident

It said: “Jos Electricity Distribution Plc is anguished by the unfortunate incident at about 0313 hours today, affecting customers on our Kabong primary distribution transformer in the Kabong area, Rukuba Road, Jos.
“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.
“We express our deepest sympathies to families who have encountered losses as a result of this incident.

“We are grateful to traditional and community leaders in the area for all their support in managing the effects of the accident,” he explained.