Remote-Controlled Boom Hits High Voltage Line

A concrete worker was electrocuted when a pumping truck boom touched a 34,000-volt power line.

He had been manipulating the boom with a hard-wired remote control, preparing to pour concrete into a wooden form. When the boom touched the power line, the current traveled down to the truck which caught fire, and along the remote control wire to the victim.

Most electrocutions from power lines involve people working either on or near the wires. A common scenario is for a piece of equipment or a load to touch the line, creating a path for the current to travel from the power line to the worker. Follow all precautions when doing any kind of work near overhead wires. Have the power turned off and use a spotter to help you avoid accidentally touching a line.