yesterday, tears flowed freely even as eye witnesses told Vanguard that the tragedy occurred when the victims were setting the canopy for the burial ceremony of their son.

According to them, the men had lifted the canopy to place it in the appropriate spot when the top of the canopy touched the 33kva high tension line. In the process six persons were electrocuted; one died instantly, while others were rushed to the hospitals.

An eyewitness who gave his name as Julius Ezeogbo told newsmen: “The people had set the canopy, and thereafter wanted to shift it to the other end. So immediately they lifted it, it touched the EEDC high tension wire and six of them were electrocuted.”

Meanwhile, Mr Ejike Mmokewe, a senior brother to Chekwube who died on the spot, told newsmen amidst tears that they are now living in sorrow since the tragedy occurred.

He revealed that the deceased (Chekwube) was preparing to pay the dowry of his heart-throb as his first marriage failed before he was sent to his early grave, even as he blamed the officials of the EEDC.

At the EEDC office in Ekwulobia which is in charge of the zone, the Business Manager could not be reached but a senior staff of the company who spoke on the condition of anonymity, commiserated with the affected families.

He, however, declined to answer questions on the series of allegation levelled against the company by Nanka community, referring newsmen to Enugu District Office of EEDC.

But when contacted on phone, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Emeka Chukwuemeka confirmed the incidence, adding that the police are on top of the situation.