Truck accident on TCN tower, leaves FCT in darkness

From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the environs have  been thrown into darkness following a crash  into Transmission Company of Nigeria’s (TCN’s)  132kV transmission tower No 20, supplying bulk electricity to the 100MVA by a truck.

TCN said it is  working assiduously to put in place a bypass from the Katampe Substation to the GIS substation in the Central Area to restore power supply to the area and the environs.

According to TCN, the truck was loaded with gravels and lost control so hitting the transmission tower.

The incident which occurred at about 2.55pm  brought down the tower, but did not record any loss of life. Attempts, however,  are being made by TCN engineers to remove the conductors presently lying on the road to ensure ease of movement around the area.

“Presently TCN engineers are at the site of the incident and are already assessing the level of damage and attempting to put in place remedial installation in the form of a temporary by-pass to restore electricity supply to the affected areas.

Consequent upon the incident, there is restricted outage in Maitama, Wuse, Central Area, and some parts of Garki.

“Meanwhile, as every effort is being made to put in place a remedial source of supply, TCN is assuring affected customers that it will work round the clock to ensure that restoration is quickly achieved, after which it would commence the dismantling and reconstruction of a new transmission tower to replace the damaged one.

“TCN assures that its engineering lines crew are making every effort to restore power supply insisting that supply will be restored as soon as possible” TCN said.

ENDS