Person reportedly taking selfie falls 40 feet after being shocked on power line tower

PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV/Gray News) - A person reportedly climbing a steel power line tower at the Sellwood Riverfront Park on Wednesday got an electric shock and fell 40 feet.

According to Portland General Electric, the line at the top of the tower was a 57,000-volt power line.

Witnesses said the person climbing the tower was attempting to take a selfie when they fell.

Dispatchers were also told witnesses heard a transformer blow before seeing the person fall from the tower.

Portland Fire and Rescue crews said an off-duty paramedic was at the scene when the fall occurred. The person was reported to be conscious and breathing after falling into bushes.

The individual was taken to a trauma center for evaluation and treatment.

It was unclear to responders whether the patient had actually contacted the power line or whether the line arced and caused the electric shock.

A separate, lower-voltage power line also detached from the tower during the incident and fell to the ground across train tracks.

Rescuers secured the scene from the public and the electric company ensured all lines associated with the tower were de-energized.

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