Three people in Oregon were killed earlier this week after a falling tree branch crashed into a car, bringing an electrical powerline with it, during the arctic storm that blasted much of the United States this past week.
Portland Fire and Rescue (PFR) responded to an “emotionally heightened situation” after receiving reports of a car fire in the northeastern part of the city on January 17. Witnesses told dispatchers that a power line was down and three people were lying in the street about 35 feet from the vehicle, one of whom had a child in their arms and another who was on fire, according to a news release.
First responders at the scene discovered a full-sized SUV with a power line draped over it and a tree branch resting on the vehicle’s hood. After an initial evaluation, medics determined the three victims in the street — two adults and a teenager — were dead.
A local resident came out to meet emergency personnel carrying a 9-month-old that a bystander had removed from the scene for the child’s safety. The child was evaluated by paramedics and found to be “unaffected” by the incident. The child was taken to a hospital for further evaluation. The vehicle had not caught fire, and the local power company was called to de-energize the downed line.
Officials determined the three victims died as they exited the SUV while it was in contact with the live power line.
“The individuals affected were occupants of the SUV and exited the vehicle following the branch bringing the live powerline down upon their vehicle,” reads a PFR news release. “When the feet of the individuals touched the ground, and their bodies were touching the car, they became part of the active electrical circuit which resulted in their deaths.”
One of the victims was identified as Ta’Ron Briggs, a sophomore from Milwaukie High School, according to Fox 4 KDFW.
The school will be offering support for students and faculty affected by Briggs’ death.
PFR advised that people in similar situations stay inside their vehicles and contact authorities to de-energize the downed line.
“Treat all downed lines as live and dangerous and activate emergency services,” said PFR in the release.
