A man was electrocuted at the top of a pylon in south Manchester as onlookers reported seeing a 'huge explosion'. A mammoth emergency response was deployed to the scene of the major incident, on Princess Parkway beside the M60 slip road, shortly after 5.30pm (March 16).
Greater Manchester Police announced that they had received reports that a male had been electrocuted by the large pylon beside the junction. Those nearby reportedly heard a loud bang.
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.
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Onlookers reported hearing a 'huge bang' followed by seeing a startling explosion at the top of the pylon. Others spoke of how their lights flickered in their homes and that their power temporarily switched off for a few moments.
One person told the Manchester Evening News that he saw the incident unfold as he drove along the M60 slip road and immediately pulled over to call the emergency services. He says he witnessed the man fall from the top of the pylon directly into the wooded area beneath it.
He said: "I was driving along the slip road and all of a sudden in front of me, I saw this huge explosion and heard this incredibly loud bang. It was so loud and you could almost feel it.
"At first, all I saw was this flash, but then I saw this body fall from the very top of the pylon and into the woods below. I immediately pulled over along with some other cars in front and called the police. I was erratic and trying to explain where we were."
A large cordon was later erected around the wooded area at the foot of the pylon, as forensic officers also investigated. Photos from the scene saw a line of police vehicles along the cordon in the left lane of the southbound carriageway, with National Grid also present.
As huge queues of congestion began to build due to the incident, traffic officers were able to reopen one lane, allowing drivers to slowly pass the cordon in single file. Bus services also announced that there were severe delays.
The incident remained ongoing with the cordon in place as of 9.30pm. Greater Manchester Police tweeted about the incident saying: "Road closure southbound at the junction of Palatine Road, Princess Parkway. This is in relation to a report of a man having been electrocuted by a pylon close to the M60. The road has been closed as a precaution. The public are asked to avoid the area."
A spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue service, said: “At around 5:40 pm this evening (Wednesday 16 March), 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.” Greater Manchester Police have been contacted for further information on the incident.
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