Farmer escapes death after crashing into electricity pole carrying 33,000 volts

A farmer had a miraculous escape after he slammed into an electricity pole carrying 33,000 volts - and escaped without serious injuries.

The unsuspecting farmer collided with the pole, toppling an overhead power line. The incident was one of seven similar accidents reported to Electricity North West recently. Ahead of the harvest season, the firm has issued a reminder to farmers to stay vigilant and steer clear of electricity poles and overhead lines.

Paul Killilea, asset and investment director at from Electricity North West, said: "The farmers involved are lucky to be alive. We've also seen considerable damage to the power network which has then gone on to impact customers due to the power cuts that have been caused.

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"The reality is this could have been a very different situation for those involved. We are again calling on farmers to take note of their surroundings, be vigilant and stay aware.

"It's essential any employees or contractors are also briefed on the location of any electricity equipment before work starts. I urge everybody who works on farmland to take note, these incidents are serious and by being aware, it really could save a life."

In the past year, the network experienced 24 similar incidents, reported LancsLive. They were reported across Lancashire in locations including Croston, Rossendale, Clitheroe, Burnley, Lancaster, Preston, and Goosnargh.

Wayne Owen, HM principal instructor in the Health and Safety Executive agricultural sector, added: "Contact with power lines can cause serious and fatal injury, often occurring when equipment or machinery is working under, or in the vicinity of, overhead power lines. The risk can be controlled in many ways, including making sure your workers and any contractors know where OHPLs are located and the maximum working height and minimum clearance distance to be maintained.

"Use safe methods of work to avoid lines in fields with slopes, difficult access or fixed obstacles. Make sure to plot this information and any restrictions on a farm map and share this with staff, contractors, delivery drivers and other visitors."