Man Electrocuted in Keelung, Suffers 4th-Degree Burns; Taipower Reports Suspected Cable Theft

(Central News Agency, reporter Wang Zhaoyu, Keelung, 8th) A man surnamed Hong was electrocuted on Jiaozhong Street in Keelung City yesterday, suffering 4th-degree burns on both hands. After the incident, Taipower dispatched personnel to the scene for an inspection. They discovered that the low-voltage wires had been cut and a pair of steel wire pliers were hanging on a high-voltage line, leading them to suspect someone had attempted to steal the wires. Taipower reported the case to the police today.

The Keelung City Fire Bureau received a report at 3:35 PM yesterday stating that the 43-year-old man surnamed Hong was picking bamboo shoots in a forested area near Lane 161, Jiaozhong Street, Xinyi District. He was suspected of cutting a wire while mowing grass and accidentally touching it, resulting in electrocution.

The fire bureau immediately dispatched the Xinyi Branch to the scene. Upon arrival, two paramedics found that the man had suffered electric shock injuries to the palms of both hands. Fortunately, he was conscious and was taken to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Keelung Hospital for treatment. The doctor diagnosed him with 4th-degree electric burn injuries on both hands, requiring follow-up care at a burn center. After initial treatment, he was transferred to Taipei Mackay Memorial Hospital yesterday.

Chen Ju-hu, Director of Taipower's Keelung District Business Office, stated today that after the incident, Taipower personnel inspected the scene. They found that the low-voltage wires had been cut and a pair of steel wire pliers were left hanging on the high-voltage line. Suspecting attempted cable theft, they reported the case to the Shen'aokeng Police Station of the Keelung City Police Department's Second Precinct this afternoon.

As the victim is still hospitalized, police will wait for him to recover before taking his statement to understand the incident's details. They will also review surveillance footage from the surrounding area to clarify the case. Taipower reminds the public not to arbitrarily cut, pull, move, or touch power lines to avoid the risk of electrocution. (Editor: Lin Shuhui) 1150608