PF&R: Person attempts selfie atop a powerline tower, gets electrocuted, falls 40 feet
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A person was electrocuted and then fell 40 feet near Sellwood Riverfront Park Thursday evening.
Portland Fire and Rescue said they responded around 5:05 p.m. on reports of a person climbing a steel powerline tower. Investigators later learned the person was trying to take a selfie. While the top of the tower contains a powerline with 57,000 volts of electricity, it’s unclear if the person actually grabbed it or if the powerline arced while the person was on the tower, officials said.
PF&R said in a turn of “incredibly good luck,” the individual was conscious and alert after falling into some bushes below. The person was walked to a nearby ambulance and transported to a trauma center to be evaluated.
Authorities said this is a reminder that it’s not worth it to put yourself in dangerous situations for the sake of a selfie.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
