AEP Texas mechanic saves resident from electrocution

WESLACO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An American Electric Power Texas Line mechanic helped prevent a resident from electrocution, according to an AEP Texas news release.

Daniel Pacheco, an AEP Texas line mechanic, responded to a pole fire during a rainy day in Weslaco, caused by a detached primary wire.

According to AEP Texas, the primary wire typically carries 12,000 volts of electricity. Pacheco, saw the fire had been extinguished but smoke was still coming up from the ground.

(Source: AEP Texas)

(Source: AEP Texas)

At the scene, Pacheco discovered that the end of the primary wire remained energized, and began to scope out the area before proceeding.

AEP stated, while he was preparing to neutralize the live wire, a resident crossed the caution tape and was walking towards the energized area.

Pacheco shouted a warning at the resident, preventing them from getting electrocuted, or having potential injuries.

Pacheco continued to neutralize and cut the primary wire and called for backup to replace it.

AEP Texas has awarded Pacheco as Good Catch of the Month award from the Rio Grande Valley Safety Committee, for his swift action and attentiveness that prevented a tragic accident.