A bicyclist in Pennsylvania was electrocuted when he encountered downed power lines Tuesday night, and first responders couldn't reach him for two hours as they waited for power to be cut.
The Allegheny County Police Department said a 911 caller reported at 8:22 p.m. Tuesday that a bicyclist appeared to strike downed power lines on a trail near Olympia Grove in North Park, just outside Pittsburgh. First responders found the cyclist down among live wires and could not reach him.
Responders contacted Duquesne Light to respond to the scene, but they didn't cut power to the area until 10:30 p.m., police said. Once the power was cut, the cyclist, identified as 63-year-old Robert Anderson, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators say Duquesne Light originally learned of the downed power lines some 12 hours earlier. The company was working to restore power to tens of thousands of customers Tuesday after severe weather in the area Monday evening.
According to police, a 911 caller reported the downed wires and "smoking on the trail" at 8:40 a.m. Tuesday. Police, fire, EMS and park maintenance personnel were all dispatched to the area, and they originally contacted Duquesne Light at 8:51 a.m.
Police and fire officials closed the trail by placing caution tape in the area where the wires crossed the trail. Caution tape was also placed at the trail entrance at Olympia Grove.
Homicide investigators are asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward or submit an anonymous tip.
The Central Catholic Community is saddened to learn about the passing of our teacher Mr. Robert Anderson. The following... Posted by Central Catholic High School on Wednesday, June 19, 2024
--with reporting by TMX
