tragedy in gaysville/stockbridge

[Guy in Shorts]

Clearly they knocked down a local distribution line which is typically on a pole and can be in the tens of thousands of volts. In this case, it sounds like the branch acted as a conductor from the line to a "piece of equipment", possibly with rubber tires and not grounded, and then through his body and into the ground. If he had moist shoes on with a hand on the equipment, even a 200v (after voltage drop in the rest of the circuit) potential across his body would have produced enough current to kill him very quickly.

H/S understands the basic issues. Local distribution in that area in that area can run as high as 46,000 volts. He are a couple of shots of fork truck operator proving H/S correct. Note the rubber tires are intact.

[eagle628]

On a list of things I did not expect to see on a ski forum, a charred body would have been pretty high. Always expect the unexpected I guess.

[Highway Star]

HS has the most likely scenario though I believe the line wasn't knocked down but merely came in contact w the equipment after being hit by the branch either by conduction or direct contact...

Yes after re-reading it sounds like the branch was the conductor and the line stayed in place.

[ANGUS]

Madhatter. I'm sorry to hear about your neighbor. Details don't matter. Sounds like he was a talented guy. The world needs more good people that can weld and fabricate. Tragic loss. Makes a person realize how precious life is.

[Guy in Shorts]

On a list of things I did not expect to see on a ski forum, a charred body would have been pretty high. Always expect the unexpected I guess.

Sorry for the stark brutal reminder of the power that flows thru those pesky wires. Thank goodness none of my actions have ever resulted in a serious injury or death. Sometimes I need to be reminded of the results if I make an error.