The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed that a heavy thunderstorm on September 3 led to the collapse of the 132kV Otukpo–Nsukka–New Haven transmission line, causing property damage but no loss of human life.
According to the company, a downed conductor fell near Tower 97 along the route, sparking a high-voltage fire that destroyed a residential building constructed beneath the line, gutted a car parked within the Right of Way, and killed two cows grazing nearby.
TCN’s Enugu Regional Manager, Engr. Tom Inugonum, visited the site with his technical team to assess the extent of the damage. The company’s Quick Response Line Maintenance crew has since commenced dismantling the affected section, in preparation for restringing new conductors.
Despite the collapse, electricity supply to Nsukka and adjoining communities was not disrupted. TCN explained that bulk power was being routed through the Otukpo 132kV Transmission Substation to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), ensuring uninterrupted supply to consumers.
In a statement, the company expressed relief that there were no fatalities, stressing that the incident highlighted the dangers of encroaching on transmission line corridors. “This serves as a stark reminder of the critical need to avoid building, parking, or engaging in any activities within the transmission lines’ Right of Way,” TCN warned.
Residents of the affected community told reporters that the thunderstorm lasted several hours, leaving behind damaged rooftops and uprooted trees. Witnesses described the fire sparked by the conductor’s fall as “intense,” but noted that quick intervention by locals helped prevent wider destruction.
The company has urged the public to adhere strictly to safety regulations around power infrastructure. It reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property while working to strengthen the resilience of the national grid against extreme weather conditions.
Severe weather events, including thunderstorms and flooding, have increasingly threatened electricity infrastructure across Nigeria in recent years. Experts say that climate change is intensifying these risks, underscoring the need for stronger disaster preparedness and stricter enforcement of Right of Way regulations.
TCN assured that full restoration of the Otukpo–Nsukka–New Haven line would be completed in the coming weeks once repairs are finalized.
