Kaikoura | 30 Jan 2012
At about 9.00am on Saturday the 28th of January 2012, 39 year-old farm manager Brendon Edward WALKER from Quail Downs near Kaikoura was electrocuted by a power line which had fallen from a power pole. He died at the scene.
His wife who found him was also electrocuted by the same power line when she attempted to get to him. She was flown to Christchurch Hospital with burns to her hand and feet. Their 7 year-old son who was at the scene ran back to the house and called for help. Emergency Services and Mainpower Contractors arrived at the scene a short time later and the power line was isolated.
The live wire had fallen from a nearby power pole which had caught fire at the top dropping the insulators and line near to the ground.
It is believed that WALKER had gone to check stock and found three cows which had been electrocuted by the live wire.
Police and Department of Labour are investigating the incident.
Constable Jon Eagle of the Culverden Police credits the bravery of the 7 year-old boy who ran back to the house and called for help.
“This young man has been confronted by everyone’s worst nightmare but has had the presence of mind to run back to the house and call for help”.
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