In a disturbing story titled Runner electrocuted by low-hanging live cable published by BBC News yesterday, it was reported that a runner who was electrocuted by a low-hanging electricity cable died in a "rare and complex" sequence of events, a coroner has concluded.
John Oates, 29, known as Harry, died instantly after coming into contact with the live line on a public footpath in Lupton near Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, on 27 October 2023.
An inquest in Cockermouth heard that at the time there were no automatic means of detecting the North West Electricity (NWE) hanging line. NWE said Mr Oates' family had its "heartfelt sympathies" and it would continue to work with other operators on "learnings from this immensely sad accident".
Senior coroner Kirsty Gomersal has issued a Prevention of Future Deaths Report to the Energy Networks Association (ENA), but the details have not yet been published.
ENA, the energy industry trade body, said it was considering the report. The inquest, which lasted for four days, heard that Mr Oates was training for a half-marathon on the day he died.
Just after 14:00 BST he was on a field footpath at Badger Gate when he came into contact with the 11 kv electricity conductor and was killed instantly…
John Oates, 29, known as Harry, died instantly after coming into contact with the live line on a public footpath in Lupton near Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, on 27 October 2023.
An inquest in Cockermouth heard that at the time there were no automatic means of detecting the North West Electricity (NWE) hanging line. NWE said Mr Oates' family had its "heartfelt sympathies" and it would continue to work with other operators on "learnings from this immensely sad accident".
Senior coroner Kirsty Gomersal has issued a Prevention of Future Deaths Report to the Energy Networks Association (ENA), but the details have not yet been published.
ENA, the energy industry trade body, said it was considering the report. The inquest, which lasted for four days, heard that Mr Oates was training for a half-marathon on the day he died.
Just after 14:00 BST he was on a field footpath at Badger Gate when he came into contact with the 11 kv electricity conductor and was killed instantly…
A spokesperson for ENA said its "heartfelt sympathies remain with Harry Oates' family".
They said both the coroner and Health and Safety Executive noted "it was a rare and complex sequence of events that were unforeseeable".
"Safety is our number one value, and we will continue to work with other distribution network operators and ENA, on learnings from this immensely sad accident," the spokesperson added.
And, you know, as immensely sad as this accident was, it serves as a reminder that footpaths that appear to be safe (even the public ones) aren’t always free from hazards that can set a negative sequence of events into place. Which is the very reason that, spiritually speaking, we must always be learning.
You see, God, Himself, has promised to instruct and teach us in the way we should go, guiding us onto and along the right footpath. In fact, God says, "I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Is that comforting or what? This shows that God isn't distant but is actively involved, watching over and advising us in our daily lives.
“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.” Acts 20:22
But, we must do our part as well to stay safe. We must seek His instructions, teachings, and learnings through careful and consistent study of the Scriptures, prayer, meditation, and fellowship with other believers. We must also learn to discern the promptings of the Holy Spirit and to allow the Spirit to determine and direct our comings, our goings, and every step along the way, even when we don't know the outcome. In other words, we must put in the work and be obedient. That’s the only way we can stay on the right footpath and avoid the dangers of going our own way.
So, seek the Lord first and foremost every day my friend through the pages of the Bible. Be ever learning and ever discerning that you might allow the Lord to lead you “in the way you should go" that you might avoid the unforseeable and fulfill the purpose God has for you.
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that dangers and pitfalls are all around us. Cause us to seek your instruction and guidance each and every day Lord that we might not become a spiritual casualty due to unforeseen circumstances that we fall into. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!
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