Parachutist Lands In 25,000-Volt Lines

A first-time parachutist who drifted off course ended up dangling from 25,000-volt power lines.

Heather Weaver, 19, was unharmed in the Sunday incident.

“She was extremely lucky,” said B.C. Hydro field manager Norm MacFarlane. “The chances of someone being able to do that and get away with it are remote.”

The parachute’s nylon rope wrapped around three conductors at the top of a pole, causing them to touch and short circuit. The surge blew a fuse, cutting power to the line and to 1,100 houses for a half hour.

Hydro crews got her down.

Weaver’s parachuting career is apparently over after her first jump.

“She said ‘no way,’ she wasn’t going to (try parachuting) again,” said Royal Canadian Mounted Police Constable Dave Berndt.