A chieftaincy celebration in the Idimu area of Alimosho, Lagos, ended in tragedy after four people were electrocuted when a party canopy accidentally came into contact with a live electrical cable.

The incident happened on Tuesday, November 11, at Anjorin Street, where a community member who recently received a chieftaincy title hosted a celebratory party. Canopies had been set up across the street to accommodate guests.

Trouble began when a truck carrying sand attempted to drive through the street but was blocked by one of the canopies. According to witnesses, some guests and one of the truck’s occupants tried to lift the canopy to create space for the vehicle to pass.

Unaware of the danger lurking nearby, the group lifted the metal frame—only for it to touch an exposed electric cable lying on the ground. In an instant, four people were electrocuted.

Eyewitness Femi Ajiboye recounted how the joyful celebration turned chaotic within seconds.

“The truck was trying to access a new estate, but the canopy was in the way. People helped to lift it without noticing the naked wire. Once the metal frame touched the wire, they were shocked immediately. People didn’t understand what happened until they saw them fall,” he said.

The electrocution halted the party abruptly as guests screamed and ran for safety.

Another resident, Olajide, said all four victims were rushed to the hospital. Three guests survived and are currently receiving treatment, but the truck’s motor boy died before help could reach him.

“The family later came to take his body for burial,” he added.

A neighbour who saw the deceased shortly before the tragedy said the news came as a shock.
“He had just bought diesel at the filling station. I was surprised to hear he died barely thirty minutes later,” he said.

When contacted, the Lagos State Police spokesperson said the incident had not been officially reported at the station. Attempts to reach her again for further details were unsuccessful as of the time of writing.

What should have been a joyous community event has now left families grieving and residents shaken, raising fresh concerns about electrical safety during outdoor events in Lagos.