Update: One Victim Succumbs to Injuries after Three Residents Electrocuted near Lake Conroe

CONROE, TX -- At 8:09 PM on 05/28/2024 the North Montgomery County Fire Department was dispatched to an electrocution involving downed power line. Information provided to responding units indicated that a man was on fire and 3 people were down. The patients ages were 59(M), 56(F), and 6(M) years old. All patients were transported to Memorial Hermann in the Texas Medical Center in critical condition.

The 59 yr. old male resident was in direct contact with the downed power line and was severely burned. He has succumbed to his injuries. The other two victims are still hospitalized with severe burn injuries. Investigators believe that although they were not in direct contact with the down power line, they were close enough to be electrocuted. Electrical charges from a down power line can extend up to 35 feet from a down power line, dependent on the voltage and ground conditions.

Investigation continues into Tuesday evening incident that severely injured two adults and one juvenile.

Three people were hospitalized Tuesday evening after they were found near a downed power line in the Lake Conroe Campgrounds off FM 830. Initial reports indicate that a male resident came into contact with a downed power line and was electrocuted. The male also suffered severe burns and was found by neighbors lying on the ground still in contact with the downed line. An adult female and a juvenile male were also severely injured during the incident and Investigators are working to determine how they sustained their injuries.
Fire and EMS crews from the North Montgomery County Fire Department and MCHD EMS responded to the scene and worked to stabilize the victims before they were transported to area trauma centers.

Yesterday’s storms left widespread damage and power outages throughout southeast Texas and residents are urged to stay at least 10 feet away from downed lines. You do not have to touch a power line to be in danger. High-voltage electricity can jump to anyone who gets too close.

Downed Power Line Safety Tips

• If you see a downed power line, move away from it and anything touching it. The ground around power lines – up to 35 feet away – may be energized.
• You cannot tell whether or not a power line is energized just by looking at it. You should assume that all downed power lines are live.
• The proper way to move away from the power line is to shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times. This will minimize the potential for a strong electric shock.
• If you see someone who is in direct or indirect contact with the downed line, do not touch the person. You could become the next victim. Call 911 for help.
• Do not attempt to move a downed power line or anything else in contact with it by using an object such as a broom or stick. Even non-conductive materials like wood or cloth, can conduct electricity if even slightly wet.
• Be careful not to touch or step in water near where a downed power line is located.
• Do not drive over downed power lines.
• If your car comes in contact with a downed power line while you are inside, stay in the car. Honk your horn to summon help, but direct others to stay away from your car.
• If you must leave your car because it is on fire, jump out of the vehicle with both feet together and avoid contact with both the car and the ground at the same time. Shuffle away from the car.