Essex workers find live power cable fallen in field

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 18:29 · Archive

Two council workers discovered a live power cable that had fallen in a Theydon Mount field, with dry grass smouldering around it.

Two street cleansing workers named Mark and Charlie discovered a live power cable lying on the ground while clearing litter bins on Banks Lane in Theydon Mount. Epping Forest District Council said the dry grass and ground immediately around the cable were smouldering and appeared likely to catch fire at any time. The workers immediately contacted the emergency services and remained at the scene for more than an hour until the power company arrived and made the cable safe.

Councillor Ray Balcombe, Epping Forest District Council's portfolio holder for contracts delivery and deputy leader, praised the pair for their response. He said their professionalism in dealing with the situation was commendable, and said he dreaded to think what could have happened. He noted that fallen power lines often look inactive or completely dead, but can still carry thousands of lethal volts and electrically charge the ground around them.

Balcombe said: 'Thankfully they assumed it was live and reported it immediately, staying at the scene until help arrived.' The council highlighted safety advice from UK Power Networks, which says electricity power lines should always be treated as live.

How it is being reported

• ‘Life-threatening’ discovery made by workers during routine Essex roundsEssex council workers raised the alarm after a live power cable fell in a Theydon Mount field, sparking a fire risk. UK Power Networks urges caution around it.Colchester Gazette · 13 Oct, 17:50
• ‘Life-threatening’ discovery made by workers during routine Essex roundsEssex council workers raised the alarm after a live power cable fell in a Theydon Mount field, sparking a fire risk. UK Power Networks urges caution around it.Echo (Basildon) · 13 Oct, 17:50
• ‘Life-threatening’ discovery made by workers during routine Essex roundsEssex council workers raised the alarm after a live power cable fell in a Theydon Mount field, sparking a fire risk. UK Power Networks urges caution around it.Brentwood Guardian · 13 Oct, 17:50

In this story: Mark · Charlie · Theydon Mount · Epping Forest District Council · UK Power Networks · Ray Balcombe

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