Tree Trimmer Nearly Electrocuted by Downtown Power Line

A tree trimmer was almost electrocuted by a downtown power line at around 1:20 p.m. this afternoon. The victim was working on an oak tree on East Valerio Street near Anacapa Street when his safety lanyard became tangled in the power line.

The shock left him semi-conscious and hanging upside down approximately 30 feet off the ground. The man’s coworker was able to help secure him before fire crews arrived and lowered him using a rope system and ladders. He was rushed to Cottage Hospital, and his condition is unknown at this time.

The victim’s identity has not been released, but a police spokesperson said he is 23 years old and works for a private tree-trimming company.