Pruning Goes Shockingly Wrong: A Tale of 30,000 Volts!
Well, if you thought pruning was just a matter of snipping a few branches and calling it a day, think again! This past Saturday, November 9, two unsuspecting tree-trimmers in Guichen got more than they bargained for when they decided to give their yard a little tidy-up and got a serious zap instead! Yes, zap! And not just any zap—a 30,000-volt zap!
A Jolt from Above
It was just after 4 p.m. and the sun was setting. Picture this: two brave Guichenais perched ten meters high in a basket, swinging away at branches like they were auditioning for a tree-climbing circus. Little did they know, they were in the line of fire—quite literally! When a power line carrying a staggering 30,000 volts decided to break, they probably had a moment that would make their hair stand on end… well, it actually did. The duo was met with a violent electric shock that any sane person would consider an extreme form of gardening!
The owner of the premises, let’s call him Mr. “I’ll Prune It Myself,” became the most unfortunate lightning rod of the day. His body faced some serious burns and while we hope he retains all his organs, the real question is: will he ever look at a pruner the same way again?
The second man, who perhaps had a tad more luck, suffered only light burns. Really, you could say he had a shocking day but still walked away with a story. Now that’s one way to boost your street cred!
First Aid and Electric Adventures
As firefighters and emergency services swooped in faster than you can say “oops,” they found our dynamic duo still hanging about in their basket, likely wondering if their life was all a bad stand-up routine. First aid was administered right there on site—because what’s a little electric shock without a dash of on-the-spot medical drama?
When the dust settled (and shockingly enough, it did), both men were whisked away to Pontchaillou University Hospital in Rennes. The seriously affected chap was transported in absolute emergency but, thankfully, remained conscious—perhaps pondering his future career choices?
No Power to the People
Meanwhile, while our friends were having their shocking adventure, a small town lost its juice! An Enedis team rushed to the scene to cut the power. Word from Dominique Delamarre, the mayor of Guichen, was that 58 homes were left in the dark—an unfortunate trade-off for some tree trimming, wouldn’t you say? But fear not, dear residents, the power was scheduled to be restored by evening, so at least they wouldn’t be binging on Netflix in candlelight forever!
So, what’s the moral of this electric escapade? Perhaps it’s a reminder that tree trimming should be left to the experts—or at the very least, one should keep an eye on those overhead lines. Because when pruning goes wrong, it can become a real shocker! And remember folks, safety first—unless you fancy a surprise tasting of 30,000 volts!
In the world of gardening, it seems that those who are fearless may sometimes just be… foolish. Let’s hope Mr. “I’ll Prune It Myself” gets back to planting daisies and leaves the “shocking” experiences to the comedians!
On Saturday, November 9, a pruning operation in Guichen turned catastrophic for two individuals who encountered a life-threatening situation. Struck by a staggering electric current of 30,000 volts, both men required urgent medical evacuation to Rennes hospital, with one in particularly severe condition, as reported by local firefighters.
A 30,000 volt line breaks
Just after 4 p.m., the two men were engaged in pruning activities at number 9 in the Verger area when disaster struck. While elevated in a basket 10 meters from the ground, they inadvertently came into contact with a newly broken 30,000 volt power line. The impact of the electric shock manifested as a powerful and destructive electric arc that engulfed both men.
The owner of the property was critically injured; he sustained severe burns across his body, raising concerns about potential internal organ damage. The second individual suffered less severe burns, but still required immediate medical attention. Both men remained on the basket while emergency responders from the firefighters and Samu rushed to the scene.
58 homes without electricity
Upon arrival, the emergency crews quickly administered initial medical care within their vehicles before transporting the injured parties to Pontchaillou University Hospital in Rennes. The man with the most significant injuries was transported under extreme duress yet was conscious during transport, indicating some level of responsiveness.
In response to the tragic incident, an Enedis team was dispatched to the scene and promptly cut off power to the surrounding area, impacting 58 homes, according to Dominique Delamarre, the mayor of Guichen. The mayor assured residents that electrical service would be restored by the evening, alleviating some concerns regarding their power outages.
**Interview with Jacques Martin, a Local Arborist Expert, on the Shocking Pruning Incident in Guichen**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Jacques. The recent tree-trimming accident in Guichen certainly caught everyone’s attention. As an arborist with years of experience, what was your initial reaction to this incident?
**Jacques Martin:** Thank you for having me! When I first heard about the accident, I was shocked—literally! It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with pruning near power lines. This situation highlights how essential it is for homeowners to be aware of their surroundings and the potential hazards before taking on tree-trimming tasks.
**Editor:** Absolutely, and it seems these individuals faced quite an extreme situation. Can you explain why tree trimming should ideally be left to professionals, especially in cases involving power lines?
**Jacques Martin:** Certainly! Arborists are trained to identify and navigate risks, particularly when it comes to overhead power lines. Professionals have not only the skills but also the right equipment to prune safely. They can assess the height and direction of branches and understand how electricity works. This ensures both personal safety and the health of the tree. Those who choose to prune without expertise, as we’ve seen, might find themselves in dire circumstances.
**Editor:** Mr. “I’ll Prune It Myself” learned this the hard way. What advice do you have for homeowners looking to prune their trees safely?
**Jacques Martin:** First and foremost, do a thorough assessment of your trees and their proximity to power lines. If there’s any doubt, it’s best to call a professional. If you’re determined to do it yourself, at least ensure you’re following safety guidelines: wear protective gear, never work alone, and always use insulated tools when working near electricity. Most importantly, if you spot a power line within reach, stop immediately and contact the utility company.
**Editor:** Wise words, Jacques. Now, with two individuals injured from this incident, what kind of recovery should they expect, and how can we mitigate such risks in the future?
**Jacques Martin:** Recovery will depend on the severity of their injuries; the more seriously affected person may need extensive medical attention. As for preventing future accidents, community education is key. Local governments could hold workshops or distribute information on tree safety and the risks of DIY pruning. Also, more awareness about power lines and their dangers could go a long way in preventing freak accidents like this.
**Editor:** Thank you, Jacques, for sharing your insights on this shocking tale. It seems there are important lessons to learn about safety and the responsibilities of caring for our green spaces.
**Jacques Martin:** Thank you for discussing this vital topic! Let’s hope Mr. “I’ll Prune It Myself” takes this to heart and that everyone in Guichen gets a chance to enjoy their power without any more shocking surprises!
