Two women were reportedly struck by lightning during the Friday rainfall in Festac area of Lagos State.
This was according to a statement posted on X by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Benjamin Hundeyin.
Hundeyin said the women, who lived in a shanty built under high-voltage cables on First Avenue in Festac, were indoors during the downpour. Suddenly, a lightning bolt struck the wires, burning down their shanty.
Hundeyin tweeted: “May their souls rest in peace. Somewhere on First Avenue, FESTAC, two women remained indoors during the downpour yesterday. Lightning struck, electrocuting them instantly and causing a fire outbreak. They lived in a shanty built under high-voltage wires.”
Reacting to the sad news, many netizens expressed themselves in the comment section. An X user identified as Doverun blamed the government for the tragic loss.
“The state failed by not removing the hazard (shanty under high-voltage wires). Similarly, our road safety never makes the road safe for travelers; instead, they will ask for a fire extinguisher or a triangle so that when you have an accident due to a massive pothole, you can place it.” He stated.
Another X user identified as Daniel D said, “May their souls rest in peace. This is a big hazard – living under high-tension wires. The government needs to enforce the evacuation of people living or doing business under high-tension wires.”
Floral the Explorer, another user, lamented that the tragic loss of life could have been prevented if the government had implemented affordable housing policies for its citizens.
