Chainsaw touched power line - guy died

[mapper]

Years ago a powerline broke in front of the parking lot of the building I worked in. Line was on the ground arcing, breakers did not kick. Power company showed up a while later and fixed the line. Later I noticed that where the line had layed on the ground and burned away that the dirt was fused into glass. Couldn't imagine what that would have done if it had hit someone when it came down.

 

[Smokeydog]

Live trees and modern rubber tires are conducive.

 

[Doughknob]

Live trees and modern rubber tires are conducive.

Conductive? How are the tires?

 

[RandyT]

Conductive? How are the tires?

years ago tires were made of rubber which is basically not conductive, but modern tires have a high graphite/carbon content which is conductive.

 

[Thomas]

Several years back couple towns over man was cleaning snow off roof with snow rake,rake slip onto power lines to weather head...tragic outcome for the man.

 

[ArlyA]

I assume all saws are dangerous cutting tools and all materials are conductive.