29.11.2010

Too close to overhead lines

A man in Hopkinton, Massachusetts was airlifted to hospital yesterday with burns over 30 percent of his body after coming into contact with a 7,200 volts overhead power line, while using an aeril lift.

Emergency services say the 59 year-old man was using the aerial lift that he had rented for the weekend to clear tree branches from around his home when his head brushed against the power line.

The man’s daughter was also in the platform at the time assisting him with the job but was not hurt.

The ambulance crew said that the man was conscious and coherent when they arrived, although badly burned. He was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.