Bystander pulls baby to safety after downed power line kills 3, Oregon officials say
CORRECTION: This story has been updated to correct information released by the fire department.
A bystander pulled a 9-month-old baby to safety after three people were found dead near an SUV with a downed power line, Oregon fire officials said.
Firefighters responded to the incident following an emergency phone call that was made at 11:42 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, from Northeast Portland, the Portland Fire & Rescue spokesperson Rick Graves told McClatchy News.
A large, fallen tree branch brought down a live power line, which also fell on top of the SUV with four people inside, Graves said.
When firefighters got to the scene, two adults and a teenager were found dead in the road about 35 feet away from the vehicle, The Oregonian reported.
A bystander rescued the baby, who had been carried by one of the dead passengers, Graves said.
Fire officials suspect the three people were electrocuted to death when they stepped outside of the vehicle.
However, an official cause of death will be released from the Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office, Graves said.
The Milwaukie High School principal, Kim Kellogg, identified the teenager as 10th grader Ta’Ron Briggs in a letter to parents, KATU reported.
What to do if a power line falls
If a power line falls on top of a vehicle, Graves said the passengers should remain inside.
“Treat all downed power lines as potentially live and dangerous,” he said.
The rubber tires on vehicles protect people from the electrical current.
But as soon as someone steps outside, Graves said “you are in danger of (becoming) part of the electrical circuit.”
Power company workers can de-energize lines so it’s safe to leave the vehicle.
Ice storm slams area
Northwest Oregon was hit with an ice storm Jan. 17 that covered roads in layers of ice and brought down trees and power lines.
“Devastating ice storm damage over parts of northwest Oregon from two back to back storms,” National Weather Service Lead Meteorologist Tyler Kranz said in a post on X. “This is the worst winter storm damage I’ve ever seen (in the Springfield area).”
More freezing rain is expected in the Portland area the evening of Jan. 18, according to the weather service.
This story was originally published January 18, 2024 at 12:33 PM with the headline "Bystander pulls baby to safety after downed power line kills 3, Oregon officials say."
