MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A man died Wednesday from injuries he sustained after coming across a downed power line near Lake Conroe on May 28, according to the Montgomery County Fire Marshal's Office. Two others also suffered severe burns.
The Fire Marshal's Office said the 59-year-old man was shocked by the power line. Emergency responders received reports of a man on fire. Neighbors found him lying on the ground with severe burns. He later died.
A 56-year-old woman and 6-year-old boy also suffered severe burns in the incident. Investigators believe they were close enough to the downed power line for them to be shocked.
"Electrical charges from a down power line can extend up to 35 feet from a down power line, dependent on teh voltage and ground conditions," MCFMO said.
The Fire Marshal's Office provided the following power line safety tips:
- If you see a downed power line, move away from it and anything touching it. The ground around power lines – up to 35 feet away – may be energized.
- You cannot tell whether or not a power line is energized just by looking at it. You should assume that all downed power lines are live.
- The proper way to move away from the power line is to shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times. This will minimize the potential for a strong electric shock.
- If you see someone who is in direct or indirect contact with the downed line, do not touch the person. You could become the next victim. Call 911 for help.
- Do not attempt to move a downed power line or anything else in contact with it by using an object such as a broom or stick. Even non-conductive materials like wood or cloth, can conduct electricity if even slightly wet.
- Be careful not to touch or step in water near where a downed power line is located.
- Do not drive over downed power lines.
- If your car comes in contact with a downed power line while you are inside, stay in the car. Honk your horn to summon help, but direct others to stay away from your car.
- If you must leave your car because it is on fire, jump out of the vehicle with both feet together and avoid contact with both the car and the ground at the same time. Shuffle away from the car.
