9:37pm Monday 14th July 2008
By Hannah Chapman
A YOUTH is lucky to be alive after suffering a huge electric shock when he climbed an electricity pylon.
The victim, believed to be aged 17, was rushed to hospital with burns to his face, chest and arms following the incident, on Jedburgh Drive, Darlington, at 8.20pm.
A second male, thought to be in his teens, was hurt when he climbed up to try and help the first, who was hanging unconscious around 60ft up. He was also taken to hospital by ambulance.
The pylon carries 132,000 volts of electric between Darlington and Richmond. The incident is believed to have caused power cuts to properties in the Richmond area.
Acting Inspector Gavin Musgrave, of Darlington Police, said the first man was lucky to be alive. "We don't know why he has climbed up there at this stage," he said. "He got right to the top and got a massive shock. He fell back over and his trousers have saved him.
"He was left there writhing with the shock and another lad climbed up to try and help him.
"People living nearby heard a big bang and saw an orange flash."
The emergency services were called to the scene, and the power was shut off. The man, who is thought to be local, then regained consciousness, and managed to climb down, before being taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital by ambulance.
"He has been incredibly lucky," said Acting Insp Musgrave.
Michael Stephens, station manager for Darlington Fire Service, issued a safety warning in the wake of the incident.
"I would urge people not to climb up electricity pylons," he said. "They are an extremely dangerous hazard."
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk