Climber Shocked, Falls 80 Feet From Transmission Tower

SANTA ROSA (AP) -- A climber who ignored warning signs on a California Pacific Gas & Electric Co. transmission tower suffered burns from high-voltage shocks, causing a grass fire and brief power outage.

The Press Democrat reports Santa Rosa police Wednesday were attempting to identify a man who fell about 80 feet (24.4 meters) Tuesday off the 100-foot (30.5 meters) tower.

A noise stopped nearby electrician Bryan Hanson who ran outside, saw smoke and noticed the man.

"He was screaming," Hanson said. "His clothes and his hair were on fire. I saw him get two, three jolts. His body was gyrating. Then he fell. He hit the first rung on the tower and then he started cartwheeling."

Officials say the man suffered burns to about 75 percent of his body and serious injuries.