EspañolMadeline Kelly, of Mendota, and Her Dog Died In Fresno County Electrocution Accident Involving Downed Power Lines —> You Can Help Support The Family Of The Victim Through GoFundMe
FRESNO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (August 25, 2023) – A 34-year-old woman identified as Madeline Kelly, of Mendota, was killed in a Fresno County power line electrocution accident.
Fresno County officials are saying that the accident took place around 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday. Madeline Kelly was walking with her dog near the area of Whitesbridge Avenue and San Mateo Avenue.
At some point during her walk, the woman came into contact with a downed power line with live cables. Her boyfriend was the first person to find her. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victims.
Despite life-saving measures, Madeline Kelly and her dog both tragically died as a result of their injuries. Representatives for Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), said that they are working to investigate the circumstances of the accident.
County officials believe that the power lines may have dropped two days prior due to a vegetation fire that broke out. The flames “scorched” the power lines and allowed the live wires to drop to the ground.
Melissa Rust is the mother of the victim. She told reporters that she has been left with more questions than answers after the tragedy. You can help support the family of the victim through GoFundMe.
According to Melissa Rust who organized the fundraiser, “Any help will be appreciated as this was incredibly sudden and horrifically shocking. Her life was cut short too soon. Celebration of Life will be at her parents home at a later date.”
Laibility For Fresno County Power Line Electrocution Accidents
Many people are killed or seriously injured every year in electrocution accidents. According to the National Center For Biotechnology Information, “In the United States, there are approximately 1000 deaths per year, as a result of electrical injuries. Of these, approximately 400 are due to high-voltage electrical injuries, and lightning causes 50 to 300. At least half of all electrocutions encountered in an occupational setting occur as a result of contact with power lines, and about a quarter as a result of electrical machines or tools.” There are a number of reasons that power lines can be particularly dangerous for pedestrians.
- Power lines do not give off clear indications that their wires are live. Unlike what you may see in movies, live electrical wires do not move around and spark uncontrollably.
- Power lines can energize water and other metal objects such as fences that a pedestrian may come into contact with.
- Power lines are relatively thin and dark thereby making them incredibly difficult to see for pedestrians even in the best of lighting conditions.
Depending on the facts of any case, there could be numerous liable parties for any accident involving a downed power line. For example, a power company like Pacific Gas and Electric could be liable for the death of someone who came into contact with a downed power line. (1) A power company may have failed to maintain their lines in a reasonably safe condition which caused them to fall. (2) It is also possible that a power company failed to de-energize live power lines that hit the ground and became hazardous for pedestrians.
Consider, for example, the numerous lawsuits against PG&E following the deadly Northern California wildfires that killed dozens of people. Among other things, attorneys for the plaintiffs argued that PG&E failed to properly maintain their power lines during high-risk weather conditions. They also allegedly failed to de-energize their lines to prevent certain fires from starting in the first place. The company eventually reached a $13.5 billion settlement with the victims during a bankruptcy proceeding. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any electrocution involving a downed PG&E power line.
- The reason that the power lines fell should be understood.
- The actions that PG&E officials took after the lines fell should be scrutinized.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- All medical records related to the accident should be preserved.
It can be hard to know where to begin after any accident involving a power line. Energy companies and news organizations will often be quick to label these incidents as “freak accidents,” implying they could not have been foreseen or prevented. But the truth of the matter is that accidents involving downed power lines are often highly preventable. The family of any person that died in an accident with a downed power line may be able to seek some measure of justice through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating Mendota Power Line Electrocution Accidents
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our deepest condolences to the family of Madeline Kelly. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There are so many questions that still need to be answered. Why is it that PG&E allegedly did nothing with these lines for two days prior to this tragedy? Had they acted quickly to de-energize the lines or at least segregate them from the public, this could have been prevented.
Do you need more information about a Fresno County power line electrocution accident? Our team of power line safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that energy companies are held accountable for their negligence. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
