Man electrocuted by pylon as onlookers report ‘huge explosion’ and power cuts

A man was electrocuted at the top of a pylon in South Manchester yesterday as onlookers reported seeing a ‘huge explosion’.

Greater Manchester Police announced that they had received reports of a male having been electrocuted by a large pylon – also known as a transmission tower – on Princess Parkway beside the M60 slip road shortly after 5:30pm.

The main road, which connects the city centre with Wythenshawe, saw its southbound carriageway immediately closed off as police and emergency services rushed to deal with the incident.

Traffic was diverted via Barlow Moor Road and Palatine Road as drivers were urged to avoid the area.

A cordon was later erected around the wooded area at the foot of the pylon as forensic officers arrived to investigate. This caused huge queues of congestion, with traffic officers reopening only one lane, allowing drivers to slowly pass the cordon in single file.

Bus services also announced that there had been severe delays.

Onlookers told the Manchester Evening News that there was an ‘explosion’ at the top of the pylon at the time of the incident, with others reporting flickering lights and temporary power cuts in their homes nearby.

A spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue service said: “At around 5:40 pm this evening (Wednesday March 16th), we were called to a police incident at Princess Parkway, Manchester.

“Two fire engines from Moss Side and Stretford fire stations attended the scene and supported colleagues from Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service.

“Firefighters were in attendance for approximately one hour and a half.”

There is yet to be an update on the man’s condition.