Five deer apparently killed by live wire downed by storm near St. Johns

In the aftermath of a recent storm in the Ashley area of Gratiot County, Michigan, five deer were found dead in a field after being electrocuted by a downed power line. Ben Orweller, a member of Ashley Fire & Rescue, discovered the deceased animals and shared the incident on Facebook to alert the St. Johns community. The power line, brought down by a collapsed pole, was hanging approximately three feet off the ground and remained live, posing a danger not only to wildlife but also to local residents. Consumers Energy was notified of the situation, and the homeowner on the affected property was warned about the live wires.
This incident highlights the potential dangers associated with severe weather conditions, particularly the hazards posed by downed power lines in rural areas. While not a common occurrence, such incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of caution and awareness during and after storms. The event also underscores the critical role of emergency services and utility companies in addressing and mitigating these risks to ensure community safety. The story serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the need for vigilance and prompt response in the face of natural disasters and their aftermath.
RATING
The news story provides a clear and timely account of an unusual incident involving the electrocution of deer by a downed power line. It effectively highlights the potential dangers of such hazards to both wildlife and human safety. However, the article relies heavily on a single source, which limits its balance and depth. The inclusion of additional perspectives from official sources, such as Consumers Energy or wildlife experts, would enhance the story's credibility and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the incident's implications. Despite these limitations, the article is well-written and accessible, making it a valuable contribution to local news coverage. Overall, the story raises important awareness about infrastructure safety and the impact of severe weather on the environment.
RATING DETAILS
The news story presents a plausible account of an unusual incident involving the electrocution of deer by a downed power line. The main factual claims include the location of the incident, the cause of death being electrocution, and the involvement of local authorities such as Consumers Energy. These claims are consistent with typical outcomes of severe weather affecting power lines, as noted in other documented cases of wildlife electrocution. However, the story lacks direct confirmation from official sources or detailed evidence, such as a statement from Consumers Energy or local wildlife officials, to verify the specific details of the incident. The report relies heavily on the account of Ben Orweller, which, while potentially credible, requires corroboration for full accuracy.
The article primarily presents the perspective of Ben Orweller, who offers his observations and conclusions about the incident. While his viewpoint is informative, the story could benefit from additional perspectives, such as those from Consumers Energy or local government officials, to provide a more balanced view. The absence of these voices might lead to an imbalance, as the narrative is driven by a single source, which could inadvertently skew the reader's understanding of the event's broader context.
The article is written in a clear and straightforward manner, making it easy for readers to understand the events described. The language is accessible, and the structure logically presents the sequence of events leading to the deer's electrocution. The inclusion of specific details, such as the location and the actions taken by Orweller, helps paint a vivid picture of the incident. However, the narrative could benefit from additional context or background information about the frequency and risks of such incidents.
The primary source for the story is Ben Orweller, a member of Ashley Fire & Rescue and owner of a local business. While he may have firsthand knowledge of the incident, his role does not inherently provide the authority or comprehensive expertise needed for a complete understanding of the technical aspects involved, such as the status of the power lines. The article lacks input from more authoritative sources like Consumers Energy or wildlife experts, which would enhance the credibility and depth of the reporting.
The article is transparent about its primary source, clearly attributing the information to Ben Orweller. However, it does not disclose whether any attempts were made to contact other relevant parties, such as Consumers Energy, for confirmation or additional insights. This lack of transparency regarding the article's methodology and potential conflicts of interest, such as Orweller's dual role as a firefighter and business owner, slightly undermines the report's credibility.
Sources
- https://www.weather.gov/media/pub/pdf/sdata/062000.pdf
- https://wildfiretoday.com/2009/11/03/downed-power-line-kills-over-a-dozen-animals/
- https://www.sja.org.uk/get-advice/first-aid-advice/minor-illnesses-and-injuries/low-voltage-electrocution/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightning_strike
- https://www.wgrz.com/article/weather/st-johns-county-lifeguard-rescues-deer-from-storm/77-312858180
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Were there any tornadoes in Oklahoma Saturday night, Sunday morning? What we know
Score 7.2
At Least Two Dead As Severe Storms, Flash Floods, Tornadoes Sweep Across Oklahoma, Texas
Score 6.8
2 killed in Oklahoma floodwaters as severe storms hammer parts of the South this Easter weekend
Score 7.8
Four killed after spring storms wreak havoc in the Alps
Score 7.6