Tragedy struck in Miami-Dade County on May 27, 2025, when a man was fatally electrocuted while trimming trees near power lines. The incident occurred around 10 a.m. in the residential neighborhood of West Miami, where local authorities were called to the scene after a report of an electrical accident. Emergency responders from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue arrived swiftly, but despite their best efforts, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim, whose identity has not yet been released, was reportedly performing tree trimming work near a power line when the fatal accident occurred. According to witnesses, the man made contact with an overhead electrical line while operating a chainsaw, leading to an immediate electrocution.
“We responded immediately, and our first responders did everything they could to save this individual,” said Miami-Dade Fire Rescue spokesperson Jennifer Martinez. “Unfortunately, the circumstances of the accident were too severe, and the individual was unable to be revived.”
Electrical hazards during tree trimming are a well-known danger, as power lines can often be hidden or hard to avoid, especially when working at elevated heights. Experts recommend that tree trimming work near power lines should always be conducted by professionals with the necessary equipment and training to ensure safety.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of working near power lines. Electrical safety is a critical concern for both residential homeowners and professionals in the landscaping and tree care industries. In recent years, many local authorities have implemented stricter safety protocols to prevent similar accidents, including requiring workers to maintain a safe distance from power lines and ensuring they have proper protective equipment.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Miami-Dade officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident and are working with utility companies to determine if there were any negligence factors involved. While the incident remains under investigation, it underscores the importance of safety protocols when performing any work near electricity.
Power utility company Florida Power & Light (FPL) released a statement expressing their condolences to the victim’s family and reinforcing the importance of safety around power lines. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of the individual involved in this incident. As always, we urge residents and workers to exercise extreme caution when working near power lines.”
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue reminds residents that if they spot any downed power lines or encounter electrical hazards, they should stay clear of the area and immediately call emergency services. Workers and homeowners are advised to hire licensed professionals for any tree trimming activities near power lines and to always ensure power lines are de-energized before starting work.