PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — A person survived electrocution and a 40-foot-fall off of a powerline tower in southeast Portland after climbing the tower to take a selfie, Portland Fire & Rescue says.
PF&R says the incident happened around 5 p.m. Wednesday evening along the railroad tracks near Sellwood Riverfront Park.
A witness told PF&R the person was taking a selfie on the 40-foot-tall steel tower, and another witness described hearing "a transformer blow" and then saw the person fall from the tower to the ground. Rick Graves with Portland Fire and Rescue says the current conditions of the person are unknown.
“I’m unaware of the current condition of the individual that was affected. They were able to walk to the ambulance following the incident that occurred,” says Rick Graves with Portland Fire and Rescue. “There was clothing remains left on this 57,000-volt high-power line that’s elevated about 40 feet above ground indicating there was some kind of contact to that line.”
Per PGE, the line at the top of this tower was a 57,000-volt powerline
Luckily an off-duty paramedic was nearby when the fall happened, and they were able to provide medical attention until PF&R teams and an ambulance arrived.
The person was conscious and breathing and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
PF&R says it's not clear if the person touched the powerline or if the powerline arced and caused the electrocution.
Fire crews want to remind you: No selfie is worth risking your life.
KATU has received reports claiming the person is a minor, but we are waiting on officials to confirm this information.
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