Warning issued on drone use after life-threatening incident

Two men in their 40s were rushed to hospital after attempting to retrieve a drone stuck in 66 kV powerlines at Brimbank Park in Melbourne last week.

Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) is still investigating the incident and calling for care when operating drones and cranes near powerlines.

It is believed one man flew the drone into the powerlines before leaving to return with a flatbed truck with a crane fitted. On his return, he asked a bystander to operate the crane to lift him up to the powerlines to retrieve the drone.

The man is believed to have made contact with the powerlines, receiving an electric shock that resulted in severe upper-body burns, leaving him in a serious but stable condition.

The bystander operating the crane was taken to hospital with minor lower-body burns and in a stable condition.

Under the Electricity Safety Act, Victorians cannot fly drones weighing less than 2 kg within 3 metres of powerlines. Cranes are also prohibited from coming within 6.4 metres of powerlines without additional safety measures in place.

ESV, Victoria’s independent energy safety regulator, is pleading with the community to operate drones clear of powerlines to ensure this type of incident does not occur.

Leanne Hughson, ESV CEO, said the incident highlights a lack of awareness when it comes to responsibility.

“While the use of drones has recently become a popular recreational activity, people need to be aware of the responsibilities associated with their use,” she said.

“It is incredibly dangerous to operate a drone near powerlines because if they become entangled, as happened here, there is a serious health risk to people and to the electricity network.

“If a personal item somehow ends up lodged in or around powerlines, please do not try to retrieve it yourself.

“You should always contact the relevant electricity company to do this for you as they have the qualified technicians to do this work.”

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