Skydiver hurt when chute strikes power lines

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

ST. MARYS, Ga. - Authorities say a skydiver is lucky he was not electrocuted after crashing onto a Georgia highway after his parachute got tangled in electrical wires.

The Florida Times-Union reports that the man, whose name was not released, had intended to land at a local airport but crashed on Georgia Highway 40 after winds carried him about a quarter of a mile off course.

Police Maj. Roger Wooten said the man was conscious, and it appeared he would make a full recovery. Authorities say he suffered neck and back injuries, and was taken to a local hospital for treatment after the Saturday accident.

The mishap caused a temporary power outage for some residents in the St. Marys area.