KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WKRC) – A motorcyclist was killed, and a woman was injured when downed power lines struck them Tuesday evening in Kanawha County.
According to the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at approximately 7:58 p.m. to reports of a motorcycle and downed power lines on Rutledge Road.
Witnesses reported that a man and woman were riding on a motorcycle when they encountered a fallen tree across the road. The female passenger dismounted while the driver attempted to turn the motorcycle around.
During the turn, power lines fell onto the rider and the motorcycle, causing both to collapse. The passenger attempted to assist the driver but was shocked by the lines.
The downed lines sparked a fire that ignited fuel from the motorcycle. The driver succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The passenger was transported to CAMC Memorial Hospital for treatment.
The incident is under investigation by authorities. No further details have been released.