Inquiry after jogger's cable death (From Daily Echo)

Inquiry after jogger's cable death

3:24pm Wednesday 25th July 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

A health and safety investigation has been launched after a man died when he apparently ran into a low-hanging high-voltage cable.

James Kew, 42, from the Saffron Walden area, was out jogging with three other people when he collided with the cable in a field near Newport, Essex, at about 8.40pm on Tuesday.

It is thought the cable, which carried about 11,000 volts, was hanging across the path.

Police, firefighters and paramedics were called but Mr Kew died instantly. Two other people suffered minor injuries.

Detective Inspector Stephen Jennings visited the scene on Wednesday morning and met representatives of UK Power Networks.

He said: "We are investigating with the Health and Safety Executive and Fire Service to establish exactly how the man came into contact with the cable. This is a thankfully unusual event but it is obviously a tragedy for everybody involved."

Mr Kew was a member of the Saffron Striders running club.

A statement on the club's website said: "It is with the deepest regret we have to announce the death of James Kew, as a result of a tragic accident whilst out running. Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family at this very difficult time."

Mr Kew had been running on a network of paths through farm and woodland to the east of Newport and about half a mile from the nearest road. It is thought his running mates raised the alarm.

A spokesman for UK Power Networks refused to comment on reports locally that the low-hanging cable had been reported earlier in the evening.