Electrocutions and Downed Powerlines: a Forensic Electrical Engineering Analysis of Causes, Reasons, and Effects

Abstract

In October of 1999, four individuals were walking a dog after a storm. The group of three males and one female came upon a large puddle, which covered most of a T intersection on their intended route. The female walked around the puddle as her two sons entered the puddle barefoot. Two of the male individuals were electrocuted. The surviving male entered the puddle to help and was immediately electrocuted. The dog followed them into the pool and was electrocuted. The female turned around to see her two sons and friend lying face down in the puddle. She entered the puddle to help them and ultimately was electrocuted by the same 480VAC downed and energized streetlight powerline in the pool. The facts discussed in this paper include vegetation management, short-circuit electrical protection, the conductivity of water and soil, human response to electrical current, sag, and tension of power lines.