In a harrowing incident near Sellwood Riverfront Park, a person suffered a severe fall from a power line tower in Southeast Portland while attempting to take a selfie. Eyewitnesses report that the individual was electrocuted and fell approximately 40 feet before landing in nearby bushes. The incident occurred on Wednesday and prompted a swift response from Portland Fire & Rescue.
The agency received the emergency call just after 5 p.m. and dispatched a team to the area along the railroad tracks near Sellwood Riverfront Park. According to reports, the unidentified individual had climbed a steel power line tower, ultimately coming into contact with a 57,000-volt power line, as confirmed by Portland General Electric.
Witnesses at the scene revealed that the person’s motivation for climbing the tower was to capture a selfie. Another witness reported hearing a loud “transformer blow” before witnessing the individual’s fall from the tower. Not much was revealed about the identity of the person.
Fortunately, an off-duty paramedic happened to be in the vicinity and immediately rendered aid to the fallen person. Portland Fire stated that the individual was conscious and breathing when located by the paramedic.
The injured person was promptly transported to a trauma center for a comprehensive medical evaluation. As of now, no further details regarding their condition have been released by Portland Fire.
Climbing structures not intended for public access, especially those associated with high voltage power lines, can pose significant risks to personal safety and even prove fatal. In this day and time of online popularity and potential income authorities and safety experts continuously stress the importance of exercising caution and adhering to safety guidelines when taking selfies. Also, addressing people engaging in any activity that may compromise personal well-being. It is crucial to prioritize personal safety above the desire for social media-worthy images.
