Man Electrocuted While Hanging Christmas Lights

MERRIMACK, NH — It was a shocking afternoon for a Glenn Forest Drive resident who was hanging up Christmas lights at his home on Nov. 22, 2016, and was zapped by a power line. The man, 54, was shocked by a power line after striking it with a metal pole while trying to hang up the lights.

According to Jeffrey Hastings of Frame of Mind Photo, who took these shots at the scene, the power line carries around 20,000 volts of electricity and threw the man to the ground. A burst reportedly ran through the man’s body, entering his hands and exiting his legs, according to officials.

EMTs transported the man to St. Joseph’s in Nashua for burns and unknown internal injuries. Eversource was also called to the scene to inspect the power line for safety. The town’s building inspector was also called to the scene to examine the home and ensure it was safe, too.

A large tree in front of the house had all the lights burned off as well as the cord leading to the lights.

Photos courtesy of Jeffrey Hastings/Frame of Mind Photo FrameofMindPhoto.com.