KARONGI- One person died while another sustained injuries after an old electricity poles hit them in Rubengera Sector, Karongi District.

The deceased was identified as Andre Munanira, 57, who died instantly, while 3-year old Shema Ndacyayisenga was left injured.

The incident happened on Wednesday evening near a market, where crowds had gathered to conduct their normal businesses.

"There had been a hailstorm the previous day and it’s what must have weakened the poles which were already old and exhausted,” Davis Mugisha, an eye witness said.

When contacted, the regional officer of the Rwanda Electricity Corporation, Emanuel Karimunda, acknowledged that the electricity poles were indeed old.

He added however, that measures have been put in place to avoid a repeat of such an accident.

"Given the weight of the old pole that hit his head, it is unfortunate that Munanira could not have survived. We are looking at the circumstances under which the poles fell and measures to contain this are already in place,” Karimunda said.

He explained that 66 poles need replacement and 45 are already available.

Karimunda blamed the accident on the rainy season and called on the public to report any suspicious electric networks that may cause an accident.

"It is not the first time such an incident has occurred and that is why we have replaced all wooden poles in Kibuye town. In case of any suspicious connections, the public should always alert us,” he said.

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