The family of a young runner who tragically lost his life after being electrocuted by a low-hanging power cable is urging authorities to take decisive action to prevent similar incidents in the future. Harry Oates, 29, was jogging on a public footpath in Cumbria when he came into contact with a live wire, leading to an inquest that highlighted a complex set of circumstances surrounding his death.
Inquest Findings and Family Response
Harry Oates, a resident of Kendal, was visiting his parents when he went for a run in October 2023. His father, Malcolm, discovered his body after he failed to return home. The coroner’s report concluded that Harry died instantly due to the electrocution, but noted that Electricity North West (ENWL), which operates the power line, bore no legal responsibility for the incident. However, the coroner did urge the Energy Networks Association (ENA) to collaborate with its members to mitigate future risks.
Malcolm Oates expressed his frustration, stating, “I was just numb, it was almost as if it wasn’t real… They’ve shown no empathy towards us as a family.” He accused ENWL of hiding behind procedural documentation instead of taking meaningful steps to improve safety. “Their mission is to keep the public safe, yet they have been neglectful,” he added.
Regulatory Oversight Under Scrutiny
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was involved in the investigation but found “no material breach of law.” A spokesman for the HSE extended condolences to the Oates family, yet Malcolm claimed that the HSE lawyers had attempted to exclude the regulator from the coroner’s prevention report, further compounding the family’s distress.
The inquest, which took place in December, revealed that the power cable had fallen due to a fault that allowed it to remain live. This was a result of voids in the cement surrounding the insulators. Following the incident, ENWL tested 260 insulators across its network, finding that around 73% contained similar voids.
Broader Implications for Electrical Safety
Malcolm Oates highlighted that this incident was not isolated; another man, Dr James Kew, died in similar circumstances in Essex in 2012 when a fallen cable struck him while he was running. In that case, the power company admitted to breaching health and safety laws and faced a £1 million fine. Malcolm argues that the industry has been complacent, merely following processes instead of prioritising public safety.
In response to the incident, ENWL has initiated changes, including halting the use of the faulty insulators and implementing a programme to replace them at approximately 8,000 locations. Moving forward, they have committed to conducting patrols of the lines within 48 hours of any similar faults.
Family’s Ongoing Battle for Justice
The Oates family’s legal team is exploring further actions to seek justice and accountability. They hope their advocacy will lead to improved safety measures and a more proactive approach from electrical service providers.
A spokesman for ENWL reiterated their sympathy for the Oates family, emphasising that the incident involved a “rare and complex sequence of events that were unforeseeable,” as noted by both the coroner and the HSE.
Why it Matters
The tragic death of Harry Oates serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by electrical infrastructure, particularly in public spaces. This incident highlights the urgent need for rigorous safety protocols and accountability measures within the energy sector. As families like the Oates grapple with their loss, it is crucial for regulatory bodies and utility companies to prioritise public safety to prevent further tragedies. Enhanced oversight and proactive maintenance can save lives, ensuring that the community feels secure in their environment.
