Man electrocuted by pylon in south Manchester after onlookers see 'huge explosion'

A man was electrocuted at the top of a pylon in south Manchester as onlookers reported seeing a 'huge explosion'. A mammoth emergency response was deployed to the scene of the major incident, on Princess Parkway beside the M60 slip road, shortly after 5.30pm (March 16).

Greater Manchester Police announced that they had received reports that a male had been electrocuted by the large pylon beside the junction. Those nearby reportedly heard a loud bang.

The main road, which connects the city centre with Wythenshawe, saw its southbound carriageway immediately closed off as police and emergency services rushed to deal with the incident. Traffic was diverted via Barlow Moor Road and Palatine Road as drivers were urged to avoid the area.

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Onlookers reported hearing a 'huge bang' followed by seeing a startling explosion at the top of the pylon. Others spoke of how their lights flickered in their homes and that their power temporarily switched off for a few moments.

One person told the Manchester Evening News that he saw the incident unfold as he drove along the M60 slip road and immediately pulled over to call the emergency services. He says he witnessed the man fall from the top of the pylon directly into the wooded area beneath it.

He said: "I was driving along the slip road and all of a sudden in front of me, I saw this huge explosion and heard this incredibly loud bang. It was so loud and you could almost feel it.

"At first, all I saw was this flash, but then I saw this body fall from the very top of the pylon and into the woods below. I immediately pulled over along with some other cars in front and called the police. I was