Kelowna man in critical condition from touching live wire

A Kelowna man was air-lifted to Vancouver General Hospital where he remains in critical condition after touching a ground wire.

A  Kelowna man is in critical condition after being struck by high voltage from a ground wire.

Emergency crews were called to the scene of an electrocution in the Luxmoore Park area just off June Springs Road in East Kelowna,  April 26 at 1:55 p.m.

“A 35 year old Kelowna man and a 44 year old Kelowna man were bicycling through the area when the younger man apparently touched a live ground wire,” said Const. Kris Clark.

“The man suffered severe electrical burns from the resultant high voltage shock and was rushed to hospital. Due to the extent of his injuries, he was later air-lifted to Vancouver General Hospital where he remains in critical condition.”

The 44 year old Kelowna man was initially detained by police for an investigation of theft of copper but he has since been released without charges.

The investigation has revealed that several of the ground wires in the area showed signs of recent tampering. Police and Fortis BC continue to investigate.

For electrical safety tips go to the Fortis BC Website’s safety page.

Kelowna Capital News