The man was using a pole saw to help his neighbor trim a tree and came in contact with a live electrical line.
SAN ANTONIO — A man is dead after firefighters say he was helping his neighbor trim a tree and came in contact with a live electrical line.
It happened just after 8 a.m. on the west side of town in the 800 block of South San Dario Avenue near South General McMullen.
“We believe a neighbor was helping a neighbor trim a tree using a pole saw,” said Battalion Chief Edward Rohmer. “The pole saw came in contact with a live electrical line. We had CPS Energy deenergize the line remotely, but we waited until a truck got on scene to physically deenergize the line to ensure the safety of the firefighters.”
The battalion chief said that firefighters have extensive training in difficult rescues like this and have one of the best teams in the country.
Officials realized the man was deceased, so they took their time to ensure that everyone was safe while recovering the man’s body.
“We believe he is from the local area, and not with a tree service,” said Bat. Chief Rohmer. “We believe he was just just a neighbor trying to help a neighbor.”
The identity of the man has not yet been released.
This is a developing story.