A community celebration in Idimu, Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, ended in tragedy after a motor boy died and three party guests were critically injured when an iron canopy touched a live electrical cable.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, November 11, during a street party held to honour a resident who had just received a chieftaincy title.
The festive atmosphere on Anjorin Street quickly dissolved into panic as the accident unfolded.
According to residents, the canopy had been erected across the road to shelter guests during the gathering.
However, trouble began when a truck attempting to access a nearby estate found its path blocked.
Eyewitness Femi Ajiboye recounted that some guests stepped in to assist, alongside a truck occupant, to lift the canopy out of the vehicle’s way.
He explained that the move turned deadly when the canopy’s metal frame made contact with an exposed electric wire.
Ajiboye said, “People were still laughing and dancing when it happened. In a split second, the moment the frame touched the live wire, they all dropped to the ground.
“Nobody understood what was wrong until the shockwave passed. It was frightening to witness.”
The motor boy was reportedly killed instantly, prompting screams and confusion as the music went silent and guests scattered.
The three other victims were rushed to a nearby hospital after residents eventually realised what had occurred.
A resident, identified simply as Olajide, confirmed that the truck occupant was pronounced dead on arrival.
“The whole mood changed immediately. It was chaos. The motor boy didn’t survive, but the others were admitted and are still undergoing treatment,” he told reporters. He added that the deceased’s body had already been claimed and buried by his family.
Another resident, who requested anonymity, said he had seen the motor boy moments before the accident.
“I still saw him buying diesel at the filling station. Thirty minutes later, people were saying he was gone. It’s hard to process,” he said.
When contacted for official reaction, the Lagos State Police spokesperson initially stated she had not received a report on the matter.
A follow-up inquiry on Wednesday was unsuccessful, as calls and messages to her remained unanswered.
This latest incident adds to growing concerns about Lagos’ persistent struggles with unsafe electrical installations.