05.06.2026

Electrocuted while training

One student has died, while another was injured in an incident involving a truck-mounted utility platform/bucket truck and an overhead power line at Southwest Texas College in Uvalde – west of San Antonio, on Thursday last week, May 28th.

We understand that the students were on the platform at the time and participating in a training session as a part of the college’s Powerline Technology programme when they came close enough to the power line for the electricity to arc to the platform and run to earth.
The incident is under investigation.

A statement from Southwest Texas College stated: “The college confirms that an incident occurred on the Uvalde campus at approximately 2:21 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, involving two students in the Powerline Technology program and a bucket truck. The incident resulted in the death of one student and injuries to another.”

“Emergency responders arrived promptly, and the injured students were transported for medical care. College personnel responded immediately and are providing support to the students’ families.”

“Out of respect for the students and their families, the college will not release additional details or identify those involved at this time. College officials are reviewing the incident and cooperating with appropriate internal and external partners as needed.”

“The safety and well-being of students, employees, and visitors remain a top priority. Southwest Texas College extends its condolences to the family and friends of the student who passed away and asks the community to keep both students and their families in their prayers.”

Vertikal Comment

This is the fourth or fifth electrocution incident that we are aware of over the past month or so. It is tragic that they continue at such a pace, while at the same time, no one seems to be serious about finding a realistic solution/ safety device – although some do exist.

There is plenty of good advice on how to work safely around power lines, from IPAF, the EWPA and others, but few are making any tangible efforts to find a reliable solution that warns and then cuts platform functions that would take the platform even closer.

We will of course update this when we find out more.