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Darwin Awards
2006 Slush Pile

This item was recently submitted by a reader.
Should I include it in the archive?
Vote to tell me what *you* think!

Post No Bills

2006 Reader Submission
Pending Acceptance

An unnamed Grand Rapids man is recovering in the hospital after managing to upset 6500 people by simply trying to post a sign for them to see. Our hero happened to pick a utility pole for his sign that had a 7200 volt power distribution cable running alongside it in a metal conduit. For an unknown reason he apparently chose to drive the nail for his sign into the conduit itself rather than the wooden utility pole. Our hero was electrocuted but survived. However the conduit and power cable wasn't as lucky. The short caused a fire that burned a large hole through the metal and disrupted power to 6500 people.

http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?s=5683559

Submitted on 11/16/2006

Submitted by: Bruce Pennypacker
Reference: WOOD TV - 11/16/2006

Copyright © 2006 DarwinAwards.com

Great? 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Awful?
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>> Moderator Scores <<

Graham said:
Definitely Toss: Other
Thanks for your submission, but we do already have a version of this story on record and there does not appear to be any new information here.


James said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes
Actually, I find this version has a bit more detail and somewhat easier to read! The link also has pictures of the pole attaqched. One would have to try hard to pierce the casing if one were nailing something to the pole, so I assume EXTRA carelessness was taken on the part of the victim. I will pass this on to Darwin!


Jack said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes
I was tempted to toss this as a repeat until I checked the link - the photos on the site warrent keeping this for Darwin (and our readers) to look at. Thanks, Bruce!


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