DETROIT (WWJ) — There was a large police presence on Detroit's east side early Wednesday evening after a man was found dead after coming into contact with a downed power line.
WWJ's Darrylin Horne reported the incident happened on Holcomb Street, near Mack and McClellan. Police confirmed they were called to the area around 5:30 p.m., but it was not immediately clear when he touched the wire.
Police are treating the man's death as an accidental electrocution and the investigation is in the preliminary stages, Horne reported.
While police have not confirmed any details about the victim, though neighbors told Horne it was a man who lives in the neighborhood that stepped on a live wire and was electrocuted.
Neighbors said it happened Wednesday morning, but the man's body was not found until Wednesday evening.
Horne reported there were as many as two dozen Detroit police officers and fire department personnel on the scene, where dozens of neighbors were gathering outside.
DTE Energy officials were also requested to come to the scene.
The incident comes as Detroit and the surrounding areas are cleaning up in the wake of Tuesday's storms that knocked out power to more than 300,000 homes and businesses across the DTE service area.
DTE officials said as of 8:30 p.m. Wednesday about 109,000 customers were still without power.
Officials say if you see a downed power line you should stay at least 25 feet away and never touch it or anything else it is touching, like fences, puddles or trees. Downed power lines can be reported to DTE by calling 1-800-477-4747.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest updates as they become available. >>> LISTEN LIVE!
