Power company fined after scientist electrocuted while jogging

The cable carried a charge of 11,000 volts

(Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

An electricity company has been fined £1 million following the death of a scientist who was electrocuted while jogging.

Dr James Kew, 41, was leading his running club through a cornfield in Essex in 2012 when he hit a loose power cable and was killed instantly.

UK Power Networks admitted a health and safety offence, in a case brought by the Health and Safety Executive.

A report had been made about the cable, which was hanging low over a public footpath, to UK Power Networks just 17 minutes earlier on the same day. However, the power to it was not cut, resulting in the death of Dr Kew.

The fault was caused by an insulator securing the cable disintegrating and exposing the 11,000 volt cable.

Witnesses to the accident are reported to have suffered from trauma and stress related illnesses, the BBC reported.

UK Power Networks opted to send an engineer to the site where Dr Kew was killed, rather than turn off the power to the area. The company has since changed its policy so that power is stopped before engineers are sent out.

A company spokesperson said: "Ever since the tragic accident our thoughts have been with Dr Kew's family and friends and [we] are acutely aware of its permanent consequences for them. Safety is our top priority.”

In addition to the fine, UK Power Networks was ordered to pay £153,000 costs.