City council to vote on settlement over Bricktown canal electrocution - OKC, OK
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A man trying to rescue another in the Bricktown Canal was electrocuted and the city is considering a settlement
Waymark Code: WM10H7G
Location: Oklahoma, United States
Date Posted: 05/08/2019
Views: 3
This sad story occurred at the Bricktown Canal, a popular area of Downtown OKC where you can walk along the canal or take a boat ride. A man leaning on a post that was loose fell into the canal and was electrocuted as he tried to grab hold of something. Another man, attempting to rescue the first man, was also electrocuted but miraculously survived. The city is considering a settlement with the survivor, and a claim has been filed on behalf of the deceased victim's family.
Article text:
Officials in Oklahoma City are considering a settlement with an Arkansas man who was injured when he jumped into the Bricktown canal to rescue another man.
In September, city officials say a man was leaning against a bollard light along the Bricktown Canal when it suddenly gave way, sending him into the canal.
“He stopped and leaned up against one of the lighting bollards, and the bollard fell into the canal and took the man with him. And as he was trying to get out of the canal, he grabbed onto the bollard and the wires and that’s when the electrocution, from what I understood, took place,” said Kristy Yager, with the City of Oklahoma City.
Authorities say a stranger, who was identified as Brandon Gann, jumped into the canal to try and save the victim. However, he was shocked as the electrical current from the bollard traveled through the canal water.
When fire officials arrived on the scene, they learned that Gann had been pulled from the canal by bystanders.
“They were even getting shocked as they tried to grab the first individual and try to pull him out, so they were not able to do that. That’s how we knew we were dealing with an electrical current in this water,” said Battalion Chief Benny Fulkerson, with the Oklahoma City Fire Department.
Officials say 23-year-old Wesley Seeley died from his injuries, while Gann was rushed to a hospital.
Gann defied the odds and survived his injuries.
Following the incident, city crews discovered that 18 light bollards were loose.
The Oklahoman reports that the Oklahoma City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposed $169,650 settlement with Brandon Gann in regards to the Bricktown Canal incident.
A claim has also been filed against the city on behalf of Seeley's estate.
Type of publication: Internet Only
When was the article reported?: 05/06/2019
Publication: Oklahoma's News 4
Article Url: [Web Link]
Is Registration Required?: no
How widespread was the article reported?: local
News Category: Society/People
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