Tree Trimmer Electrocuted in 7200-Volt Powerlines

A man trimming trees was electrocuted early Monday afternoon in the 2600 block of W. Beauregard, in an alleyway.

According to San Angelo Fire Department Battalion Chief Royce Owen, a man was working for a tree trimming service, approaching trees to trim in a sky lift. Somehow the sky lift became entangled with 7200-volt power lines, Owen said.

The man was electrocuted when the equipment he was using became energized. When the fire department arrived on the scene to rescue him, they were prevented from touching the machinery because it was still hot with electrical charge, and the man was still in the air inside the energized bucket in the air.

“While waiting for AEP to arrive and cut the power, the man fell out of the bucket, falling approximately 40 feet,” Owen said. At that point, EMS started treatment immediately, attempting to save the tree trimmer’s life.

The victim left the scene still alive in an ambulance, but Owen said that his condition is unknown.

About a block and a half of power is out around the area of the incident after AEP arrived and cut the power. SAFD responded with an engine, rescue truck, and battalion chief. Several San Angelo police directed traffic and onlookers away from the scene for safety.