LA Loft Blog

Shocking Danger

REAL ESTATE NEWS (Los Angeles, CA) — In a city known for its glamour, beaches, and Hollywood dreams, Los Angeles also harbors unseen dangers that could turn a simple stroll down the street into a life-altering or life-ending event. One such danger is the growing number of exposed electrical wires protruding from damaged and open electrical panels scattered across public sidewalks. The danger is very real, the threat is exploding and it has devastating consequences.

A Tragic Incident: The Case of Eddie V.

In 2017, a horrifying incident shook the community of Boyle Heights. A 21-year-old man named Eddie V. was critically injured after coming into contact with live wires at the base of a light pole on a public sidewalk. The incident occurred near Boyle and 6th streets, and firefighters had to rush to the scene following reports of a man getting shocked by exposed wires.

Eddie was rushed to the Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center and was said to be in critical condition for days after the incident. According to family attorney Spencer Lucas, Eddie suffered from “a severe electrical shock from his toes all the way to his brain,” resulting in both brain and burn injuries. The young man was trying to take photos of bridge construction in the area when the accident occurred.

The Response from Authorities: A Questionable Stance

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) tried to distance itself from any responsibility by suggesting that the incident was likely the result of “attempted vandalism or copper wire theft.” While the electrical box related to Eddie’s accident was eventually sealed, reports indicate that another exposed set of wires lay just a few feet away.

This raises a critical question: Shouldn’t public safety be prioritized, irrespective of the cause of these exposed wires?

The Scourge of Copper Wire Theft

While it’s essential to address the issue of copper wire theft, which indeed poses a safety risk, the response cannot be to merely sweep the issue under the rug. Copper wire theft has led to exposed electrical boxes not just in Boyle Heights but also in other parts of the city, including 6 to 12 broken, exposed and open panels on the Broadway Bridge over the Los Angeles River, near Alta Lofts. If theft is a known issue, then more proactive steps must be taken to secure these electrical installations.

The Medical Consequences of Electrical Shock

Electrical shock can lead to a range of severe medical conditions, including but not limited to:
Cardiac arrest
Severe burns
Muscle, nerve, and tissue damage
Respiratory failure
Long-term neurological damage

The fact that Eddie V. suffered brain injuries underlines the grave risk posed by these exposed wires. Immediate action is needed to prevent similar tragedies. Here’s a young electrical shock victim, an 8 year old boy, in Chicago a few weeks ago.

This type of injury is extremely tragic and often deadly or permanently debilitating. Children, pets and homeless adults are all at severe risk from a preventable accident. We don’t want this horrifying scene repeated in Los Angeles.

Unmet Responsibilities

The responsibility for public safety falls squarely on the shoulders of city authorities. Though the LADWP has since sealed the specific electrical box involved in Eddie’s incident, the broader issue remains unaddressed. Families like Eddie’s are left questioning why more isn’t being done to prevent these shocking and avoidable tragedies.

What Can Be Done?

Immediate Inspection and Repair: All electrical boxes in public areas should be inspected and repaired as needed.
Increased Security: Areas known for copper wire theft should have increased security measures, including surveillance and regular patrols.
Public Awareness: Signage warning of the dangers of exposed electrical wires could act as an interim solution until repairs are made.

While Los Angeles is a city of dreams for many, it should not become a city of debilitating nightmares because of neglected infrastructure. No Angeleno should have to risk their life walking down a public sidewalk. The city and organizations like LADWP need to act swiftly and decisively to remedy these hazards before another tragedy occurs. Injured pedestrians should seek immediate medical attention, then call an attorney.

We should all be shocked an appalled at the lawlessness and apparent helplessness of the city to prevent and remedy this real-world plague of theft, vandalism and deadly third-world style of deterioration. The case of Eddie V. serves as a grim reminder of the stakes involved. The city needs to do whatever is necessary: strengthen the panels tremendously or reroute the wiring. Disabled street lamps must be repaired immediately. LAPD must not allow anyone to loiter or bring any tools near bridges. It’s high time for Los Angeles to wake up to this electrical danger lurking underfoot and take immediate, lasting action.

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Copyright © This free information provided courtesy L.A. Loft Blog with information provided by Corey Chambers, Broker DRE 01889449. We are not associated with the seller, homeowner’s association or developer. For more information, contact 213-880-9910 or visit LALoftBlog.com Licensed in California. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Text and photos created or modified by artificial intelligence. Properties subject to prior sale or rental. This is not a solicitation if buyer or seller is already under contract with another broker.