There are many transmission lines that crisscross North America. These
are held up by Transmission Towers of various constructions. Those
most commonly installed near urban areas are called "Metal Ornamental
Towers" (supposedly prettier than wood towers). Sometimes adventurous
folks climb the towers in order to enjoy the view and the night air.
Most stay away from the wires, and when they get bored, come back
down.
Apparently, a man who was forlorn after a recent spat with his girl-
friend needed some fresh air to clear his head and decided to climb a
tower. He stopped for a 6 pack to help clear his thoughts, went to a
tower south of Montreal, and climbed it.
Public Service employees later pieced the story together. The man sat
there 60 feet above the highway, drank his beer and consoled his
bruised ego. After 5 beers, he needed to do what people often need to
do after 5 beers. It being such a long hike down, he unzipped and did
his business right there off the tower.
Electricity is a funny thing. One doesn't need to touch a wire in
order to get shocked. Depending on conditions, 115,000 volt lines,like
those supported by the tower, could shock a person as far away as 6
feet.
When the man "whizzed" near the conductor (wire), the power arced up
his "stream" (urine is an excellent conductor of electricity),
traveled up to his private parts, and blew him off the tower.
The guys at the power company noted a momentary outage on this line
and sent repairmen to see if there was any damage. When they got to
the scene of the accident, they found a very dead person, his fly
down, what was left of his private parts smoking, and a single beer
left on top.
"Not knowing what business you're in is one of the best ways of going
out of business"
|