Kansas City, MO (May 11, 2026) – Emergency units were dispatched to the area of Butron Road and Custer Avenue at about 1:06 p.m., May 10, after reports of a worker unconscious in a lift bucket roughly 50 feet in the air near active power lines.
Early dispatch information stated that a tree worker was not moving while elevated in the bucket of a lift truck. Responders arriving at the scene confirmed the worker was within close range of overhead power lines, forcing crews to wait until utility workers could cut power to the area before rescue operations could safely continue.
Evergy later shut off electricity in the surrounding area, causing a temporary power outage while emergency crews worked to reach the worker. The patient was later triaged in critical condition as firefighters continued efforts to safely lower him from the bucket.
Additional details about the worker’s condition and what led to the incident were not immediately released.
The incident remains under review by authorities. We are thinking of the injured worker as they receive medical care.
Why Power Line Safety Is a Concern During Tree Work Accidents
Tree work near overhead utility lines can create serious risks, especially when lifts or elevated buckets are involved. Workers operating high above the ground may face danger if equipment gets too close to energized lines or if nearby branches come into contact with electrical wires.
In many cases, utility companies are asked to temporarily shut off power before rescue crews can safely approach equipment near live lines. This step helps reduce the risk of electrical shock to both workers and first responders during recovery operations.
Emergency responses involving elevated workers can also take longer because crews must secure the area before attempting a rescue. Specialized equipment may be needed to safely lower injured workers from bucket trucks or lifts while avoiding additional hazards around the scene.
