An unidentified man may be to blame for a power failure that left 2200 people in centeral Pennsylvania in the dark over the weekend. Our hero, apparently a decent marksman, took aim at an overhead power line and succeeded in severing it with a shot from his rifle. However in a fatal twist of poor planning the cable fell directly onto the culprits car. Apparently not too bright to begin with, or failing to think through his actions to their logical conclusion, our hero attempted to remove the cable from the car with his bare hands, earning him a Darwin for stupidity with both a gun and electricity.

http://www.dailyitem.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061127/NEWS/611270312

Submitted on 11/27/2006

Submitted by: Bruce Pennypacker
Reference: dailyitem.com - 11/27/06

Copyright © 2006 DarwinAwards.com

Graham said:
Definitely Toss: Other
So far, it is not known if the victim was killed inside the car or while attempting to remove the cable from the outside. If he were inside, it would be Fate. If he were outside, it would be stupidity. Perhaps more reports will come in on this one. Thanks for the submission, Bruce

James said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
Here's another link (http://www.wnep.com/Global/story.asp?S=5732684&nav=5ka4a1G6) which suggests the victim got into his car AFTER the line fell. It looks like Bruce picked another winner! Karma, not fate is at work here! This one reads like a "classic" old-time DA! I like it and I think the readers will too!

Jack said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
I have mixed feelings about this: assuming that the victim participated in the shooting that resulted in a live wire falling on his truck, then it might be ironic, but irony does not always make a good DA. On the gripping hand, I'll vote to keep this for now in the hopes of more information and a better write-up.

Shadow said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
Grabbing a live electrical wire is definately not the brightest thing to do... if he had simply driven off he would have been ok... Thanks Bruce!

Chip said:
Definitely Toss: Bystanders Hurt
According to this link http://www.wqkx.com/1070_WKOK/NEWS_ARCHIVES/011207.htm the power line was shot down by two teenagers who have been charged in the death. The victim was a bystander who was killed by the line when he tried to move his truck out from under it. Bystander hurt. No Darwin. Thank you for the story, Bruce.

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