KAMPALA, June 6 (Xinhua) -- At least six people died Thursday morning after being accidentally electrocuted by power supply lines in Uganda's central district of Mubende, a regional police spokesperson said in a statement.
The six deceased men were electrocuted by three-phase power lines at Butawata market in Kigando sub-county in Mubende at around 9 a.m., local time, said Racheal Kawala, police spokesperson, in the statement.
She said the preliminary findings indicated that a groom hired the deceased to erect tents for his wedding function that was scheduled to take place Thursday at noon.
"It is alleged while erecting the tent, its metallic edge came in contact with electricity wire/lines, thereby causing electrocution resulting in the deaths of the six," said Kawala.
She said the police and Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited, the country's public electricity regulator, have commenced an investigation into the tragic incident.
"It has also been established that people in that area had illegal power connections. We caution members of the public against illegal power connections as it is life-threatening," said Kawala.
She said the bodies of the deceased have been taken to the mortuary of Mubende Regional Referral Hospital.
