A boy has died in Sinchu Baliya after being electrocuted while cutting tree branches near high-tension power lines.

Eyewitnesses said he had been hired to trim a tree dangerously close to NAWEC’s electricity lines when the metal cutlass he was using came into contact with live wires.

He died instantly.

The National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) offered condolences to the family and warned the public about the dangers of working near electricity infrastructure.

“Electricity is deadly and can cause fatal injuries even without direct contact,” NAWEC said, urging residents to report hazards by calling 1669 instead of attempting to remove them.

By Adama Makasuba