By: Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter, Daily Scope
Two staff members from the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) have tragically died from electrocution while performing maintenance on an electrical pole in Malal Village, Kambia District, Northwestern Sierra Leone.
The incident occurred when the pole collapsed while the men were working, resulting in both individuals being electrocuted. This event marks the first fatal case of electrocution in the district this year, despite EDSA’s ongoing repairs and installation of new power lines in the area.
While the precise cause of the electrocution is still under investigation, it is worth noting that EDSA typically follows safety protocols by turning off the power supply before commencing work on electrical poles and infrastructure. However, accidents of this nature are not uncommon in Sierra Leone, where inadequate safety measures and aging electrical infrastructure have led to a series of tragic incidents in the past.
In previous years, there have been several reported cases of electrocution linked to maintenance work and faulty equipment. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges faced by EDSA and other utility providers in ensuring the safety of their workers while maintaining essential services in a country where electricity access remains a critical issue.
As investigations continue into this latest incident, the families of the deceased are left to mourn, and calls for improved safety protocols within EDSA are likely to intensify.
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