Motor Boy Dies, Three Party Guests Shocked as Canopy Hits Live Cable at Lagos Chieftaincy Celebration

|By Adejumo Adekunle

A chieftaincy celebration in the Idimu area of Alimosho Local Government, Lagos State, ended in chaos after a truck motor boy died and three party guests were electrocuted when a canopy reportedly touched an exposed electric cable.

The tragedy struck on Tuesday, November 11, on Anjorin Street, where residents said canopies had been erected for a week-long coronation anniversary. Trouble began when a sand-laden truck attempted to drive into a new estate on the street but was blocked by one of the canopies stretched across the road.

Witnesses said some guests, assisted by a truck occupant, tried to lift the canopy to create space for the vehicle. In the process, the canopy’s metal frame allegedly hit a naked wire lying on the ground.

Eyewitness Femi Ajiboye said the victims collapsed instantly.
“They didn’t realise the frame had touched a live wire. The moment contact was made, they were shocked. People only understood what happened when they saw them fall,” he said.

The electrocution abruptly halted the celebration as guests fled in panic. All four victims were rushed to a hospital, where the truck motor boy—who had yet to be identified at the time—was confirmed dead on arrival. Residents said his family later retrieved his remains for burial.

Another resident, Olajide, said the three party guests survived and were receiving treatment.
“The whole place was thrown into confusion. The motor boy didn’t make it,” he added.

A neighbour, who declined to be named, recalled seeing the deceased shortly before the incident. “He had just bought diesel. Hearing he died less than thirty minutes later was shocking,” he said.

When contacted, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer said the incident had not been officially reported. “I called the DPO in that area, and she said no such case was reported at the station,” she noted. Further attempts to get clarification on Wednesday were unsuccessful.