Transformer explodes in Gombe, kills 3, others injured

Three people, including a mother and her daughter, were killed yesterday in a transformer explosion that occurred around 2:00 a.m. at Yaunde, Tunfure, Gombe State.

An eyewitness said the transformer exploded when the heavy wind blew and the high tension cable touched the service line that brought power to the transformer.

The mother of four identified as Mrs Patrick, who died with her daughter, was said to have woken up following the sudden power surge to switch off her refrigerator and was immediately electrocuted.

Gombe State Police Public Relations Officer Mahid Mu’azu, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) said three people were confirmed dead at the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe.

“Two of them are women and one man. We are still investigating the cause of the incident but the interim report said it was due to a power surge,” he said.

The state Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya who later visited the families to condole with the victims donated N1.5 million to the affected families and directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to provide relief materials for the families who lost their property to the incident.

Similarly, the governor directed Jos Electricity Distribution to immediately look into the remote and immediate causes of the incident.