This archive report was first published on 24 December 2019.
On December 23, 2019, a tragic accident occurred at Jatomy Supermarket in Embu town when two workers were electrocuted while installing a billboard on the second floor.
The workers, who were hired by an electrician to assist with the installation, used a ladder to scale the building but accidentally tripped and landed on power lines along the nearby road, emitting electric current that electrocuted the two workers.
The third worker, who was also injured, sustained fractures and was admitted to the Embu Level Five and Referral Hospital in critical condition.
Embu County Police Commander Daniel Rukunga said the two men were pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital, while the third worker was rushed for treatment.
Police are investigating the cause of the accident and have advised electricians and building owners to liaise with the Kenya Power company to switch off power when working near power lines to avoid such tragedies.
According to Rukunga, the fourth worker was treated at the same hospital and discharged.
“The victim sustained fractures and is undergoing treatment. The fourth worker was treated at the same hospital and discharged. Police are investigating how it happened and who was culpable. We condole with the families of the men who lost their lives and wish the injured worker quick recovery,” he said.
