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The Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) has appeared in court over allegations of failing to fully compensate a former employee, John Sarra, who was involved in a life-altering accident while on duty.
The case, currently being heard at the Freetown High Court, is presided over by Justice Samuel O. Taylor and revolves around a tragic incident that occurred in June 2020.
According to court documents, Sarra, who was employed as a casual worker in EDSA’s Preventive and Maintenance Department from 2010 to 2020, was responsible for erecting and maintaining utility poles, running high-tension cables, and addressing power faults.
On June 8, 2020, he was instructed by his supervisor to resolve a power outage issue at Spur Road, Wilberforce. Following standard protocol, Sarra contacted the relevant substation to request that the power be turned off while he worked on the fault. Despite his request, power was restored prematurely, leaving Sarra on the pole when high-voltage electricity surged through the wires.
The result was catastrophic. Sarra suffered severe injuries, leading to the amputation of both hands and damage to his right leg. He was left hanging on the pole for several minutes before being rescued and rushed to Connaught Hospital.
After initial treatment, he was transferred to the 34 Military Hospital, where he remained hospitalized for several months.
In his testimony, Sarra described how EDSA initially covered his medical expenses but later abandoned him during his recovery, leaving him to face deteriorating health conditions without further support.
He sought legal counsel, and a letter was sent to EDSA, demanding they fulfill their responsibility. However, Sarra claims EDSA refused to comply.
During the court proceedings, EDSA’s legal team requested an adjournment, which prompted Justice Taylor to instruct them to submit an “affidavit in opposition.” The case is scheduled for its next hearing on October 28, 2024.
