Man Trapped in Tree Trimming Accident Causes Hour-Long Power Outage
Ammon, Idaho – A man in Ammon caused a major power outage in the area after he got trapped during a tree trimming accident on Friday night. Emergency services responded to the incident, which occurred on 17th street around 9 p.m.
According to Deputy Chief Keith Banda of Bonneville Fire District 1, the man, who was a private property owner, was attempting to trim the top of a large tree when disaster struck. The top of the tree broke free and fell onto the man, ultimately making contact with a powerline nearby.
Initially, it was reported as an electrocution, but Banda clarified that the man had not actually been electrocuted, although he did receive a significant electric shock. The powerful jolt caused the nearby breaker to blow, resulting in the outage that affected approximately 2,600 customers in the Ammon area.
Fortunately, the victim was conscious when help arrived, and he was able to communicate with the rescue teams throughout the process. The fallen tree top and the tangled harness, chainsaw, and safety lanyard effectively trapped him against the tree, requiring assistance from multiple teams to free him.
Bonneville County Fire District 1 and Idaho Falls Fire Department responded to the scene with their specialized equipment, including a tower ladder and engines. The Bonneville County Sheriff’s deputies were also present, providing traffic control and ensuring public safety.
Rocky Mountain Power promptly dispatched a crew to assist with the rescue efforts as well. They worked alongside the emergency responders to safely extricate the trapped man from his precarious position.
Following the rescue, the man was transported to the hospital for observation. Officials believe that his injuries were not life-threatening, although his exact condition remains unknown at this time.
Jona Whitesides, spokesman for Rocky Mountain Power, informed the public that their crew worked diligently to restore power as quickly as possible. After approximately an hour, power was successfully reinstated to the affected customers in Ammon.
Tree trimming accidents can be dangerous, reminding us of the importance of hiring professionals or taking necessary precautions when conducting such tasks. While this incident caused a temporary inconvenience for residents, the swift response and collaboration between emergency services and utility providers ensured a positive outcome for all involved.
It serves as a reminder to prioritize safety in all situations, especially when working with potentially hazardous equipment or near powerlines. Natural disasters and accidents can happen unexpectedly, but with proper training and awareness, the risks can be minimized, ensuring the well-being of individuals and the community as a whole.
