Downed Wire Causes Fatalities NEWARK, N.J., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Three customer fatalities were reported early this morning in West Orange. A West Orange resident was electrocuted this morning at approximately 4:30 a.m. when he apparently entered a vehicle on which an electrical wire had fallen. Two other men came to his aid and were also electrocuted. "This is a tragically sad event. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to all the families involved," said Ralph La Rossa, Vice President, Electric Delivery. "PSE&G is working with local police as they complete their investigation." It is important to remember that wires installed on utility poles carry electricity. When wires are down, they are dangerous because the electricity can still flow through them. Never assume that a downed power line is not energized as they still could be "live". We urge the public to stay at least 10 feet away from all downed wires - and keep others from going near them as well. Call PSE&G at 1-800-436-7734 or the police or fire department immediately. Any wire on the ground or hanging from a pole must be considered to be live. Telephone and cable TV wires may be entangled with electric wires and must also be treated as live. The public is also urged to be especially careful when driving or parking a vehicle near downed wires. If downed wires are in the street, near the curb, or on the sidewalk, use extreme caution. In the event that a wire comes down on a vehicle with passengers, our advice is to stay in the vehicle until professional help arrives to safely remove people from the vehicle. Never use water on an electric fire, burning vehicle or wire, or extend a pole or stick that can allow a path through which the electricity can travel. Our human instinct is to reach out to help, but touching an individual who has been energized also provides a path for the electricity to travel. Call 911 for help immediately. Bottom Line: Never go near or touch an electrical wire. Never go near or touch anything or anyone that has come in contact with an electrical wire. TO REPORT A DOWNED WIRE: Call 1-800-436-PSEG and tell PSE&G the nearest cross street or the number of a nearby pole that has not been damaged and is away from any downed wires. The pole number can be found on the metal tag attached to the pole. DATASOURCE: Public Service Enterprise Group CONTACT: Renee DiNardi or Leslie Cifelli of PSE&G, +1-973-430-7734 Web site: http://www.pseg.com/

Copyright