Two children electrocuted by downed power lines in east Fort Worth

Two children, both boys, were electrocuted by downed power lines Wednesday evening near a park in east Fort Worth, a fire official said.

The incident happened about 6:15 p.m. near the 1500 block of Oakland Place in a heavily wooded area near the north end of Oakland Lake Park, said Lt. Kyle Falkner, a Fire Department spokesman. The boys, who had not been identified, were believed to be around 12 years old.

When firefighters arrived, the power lines were still energized and arcing and a grass fire had been ignited. Firefighters requested Oncor to assist in making the area safe for fire and emergency medical crews to enter.

Once Oncor cut off the electricity to the lines, firefighters located the children in an area of thick brush and trees near a small lake and a ballfield at the park, which is near Oakland Boulevard and Interstate 30.

Falkner said the power lines were likely downed by the storm that blew through early Wednesday, though Oncor workers were still investigating at 9 p.m.

In a statement, Oncor said: “A tragic accident has occurred. Oncor is currently working with authorities to determine the cause. The safety of our customers and employees is the foundation for everything we do. Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers go out to the family. We urge all our customers to treat every power line as if it’s energized.”

Staff writer Mitch Mitchell contributed to this report.

This story was originally published March 29, 2017 at 7:43 PM with the headline "Two children electrocuted by downed power lines in east Fort Worth."