Monday, April 4, 2011

Man dies after touching downed power lines; 62,000 customers without power after storms blow through Memphis area » The Commercial Appeal

An 87-year-old man was killed this afternoon after touching a downed power line, MLGW spokesman Glen Thomas said.

The incident happened around 1 p.m. at 548 Melody Lane in East Memphis, Thomas said.

It's uncertain if he tried to pick up the line, or if it fell on him.

The damaging winds and thunderstorms that uprooted trees, downed power lines and triggered a tornado warning in the Memphis area have moved eastward, but Memphis Light, Gas and Water officials can't estimate how soon power will be restored to the area. The utility has started contacting outside crews to bolster the workforce.

MLGW spokesman Glen Thomas said about 62,500 people remain without power as of 2:30 p.m. Damage is spread across the county, Thomas said, and 47 circuits are out. Thomas said the biggest danger to the public is downed power lines.

No comments: