Family Counts Losses as Thunderstorm Snaps Transmission Line in Enugu

A late-night thunderstorm on September 3, 2025, left destruction in its wake after snapping the 132kV Otukpo–Nsukka, New Haven transmission line near Tower 97 in Enugu State.

The incident, confirmed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), destroyed property and livestock but, fortunately, claimed no human lives.

According to TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the heavy storm caused the line’s conductor to snap and crash to the ground, triggering a high-voltage discharge.

The discharge torched a residential building, burnt a parked car, and killed two cows belonging to a family living along the route.

Regional Manager of TCN’s Enugu Region, Tom Inugonum, who led the on-site inspection, described the extent of the damage:

“The thunderstorm snapped the line and the conductor dropped very close to Tower 97. We saw the damage on arrival, a house already torched, a car burnt, and livestock dead on the path. It is unfortunate but thank God no human life was lost.”

The losses have left affected residents counting the cost, as the family whose property was damaged now faces rebuilding and replacing what was lost.

TCN’s Quick Response Line Maintenance Team has since moved in to dismantle the damaged section of the line.

Inugonum noted that restringing of a new conductor is already underway.

“Our team immediately commenced dismantling the damaged section of the line. Restringing of new conductor is underway, and we are doing everything possible to restore the line safely and quickly,” he said.

Despite the damage, Mbah confirmed that electricity supply to Nsukka was not disrupted, as the company diverted power through the Otukpo 132kV Transmission Substation to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company.

She, however, warned that the incident should serve as a wake-up call to communities living or carrying out activities beneath transmission lines.

“This incident is a stark reminder that building houses, parking cars, or doing anything under transmission lines is extremely dangerous. People must avoid encroaching on the right-of-way because it is not just illegal, it is a serious risk to lives and properties,” Mbah cautioned.

For the residents who lost property and livestock, the thunderstorm was more than just a natural event — it was a life-altering disruption that underscores the risks of living too close to critical power infrastructure.