No fewer than 11 people were killed and many were injured on Wednesday when a high tension line of the Kaduna Electric Distribution Company snapped in Zaria, Kaduna State.
The development, which led to voltage supply outside limits, was confirmed by the State Fire Service on Wednesday.
The Kaduna State Fire Service said the 11 people who died were from communities around Gwargwaje area of Zaria Local Government Area.
It said a house was burnt and some business premises destroyed in a fire incident at about 1am on Wednesday
The Leader of the community, Alhaji Bature Aliyu, told newsmen that the fire affected all the houses in the three communities, Police Barracks, New Layout Unguwar Major Aliyu and New Kauran Juli layout.
Aliyu said: “Electricity was restored late in the night with full force, which caught fire that spread to the communities.
“All the transformers, high tension and service lines were on fire.
“Anywhere you touched was shocking until when the power was cut off from the source.”
The Head of Corporate Communication of Kaduna Electric Distribution Company, Abdulazeez Abdullahi, confirmed the incident.
Abdullahi added in a statement on Wednesday: “The source feeder was immediately opened on emergency to avoid further damages.
“Kaduna Electric expresses the deepest sympathy to the families who encountered losses as a result of the incident.
“We are grateful to His Royal Highness, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, Emir of Zazzau for his support to all in managing the effects of the incident.”