CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – The neighbor who found the body of an unidentified 37-year-old woman who died from electrocution on Tuesday night is speaking out about staying safe around downed power lines.
As storms rolled through Charlotte on Tuesday, July 7, Scott Mallonee heard several popping sounds outside his home on Craig Avenue.
“I looked out the door and saw the power pole on fire,” said Mallonee, who then went outside and took video of a power line on the ground, split in two and on fire.
He then went to check on his neighbors across the street when he saw a sight he’ll never forget.
“I heard the fire truck coming so I turned around to go meet the firemen and I literally came across someone who was right at my feet that I missed when I went to go visit my neighbors,” Mallonnee said.
It was the body of an unidentified woman who was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
Video footage from Mallonee’s driveway security camera shows her accidently coming into contact with a live wire as she was walking down the street.
Duke Energy, who restored power to the street late Tuesday night, says in a statement “Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the individual involved in this incident. We will continue to work with local authorities to investigate the situation.”
Mallonee, who came very close to coming into contact with the live wire is thankful to be alive.
“I’m still processing it. It’s still on my mind a couple times an hour,” he said.
Division Chief Timothy Brown from the Charlotte Fire Department says that fallen power lines should always be considered to be deadly.
“It is not something to play with,” said Chief Brown. “Stay away from a power line. Stay away from it. Call 911. Fallen power lines have direct current and once it gets ahold of you it doesn’t let go. If you touch a power line you will not physically be able to let it go.”
Duke Energy also has tips to help you stay safe when power lines are down in your neighborhood.
- www.duke-energy.com/Safety-and-Preparedness/Overhead-Power-Lines
- www.duke-energy.com/safety-and-preparedness/storm-safety/safety-around-power-lines
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