Two family members were electrocuted Monday morning in a tragic chain of events at their Panorama City home, authorities said.
The deaths were reported at about 3:30 a.m. in the 14700 block of Tupper Street, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The victims were identified by the coroner’s office as Ferdinand Tejada, 53, and Janine Reyn Tejada, 20, both of Panorama City.
The father had gone outside to investigate after hearing a loud noise and smelling smoke. He entered the backyard, not knowing there were live wires that had come down during an overnight rainstorm, the man's wife told NBCLA.
She said he somehow came into contact with the current, then tragically, her daughter was also electrocuted while trying to help.
A neighbor captured images with her cellphone of the flickering glow of a small fire, in the Tejadas’ backyard while firefighters, on the scene, appear to stand back while staying clear of live power lines.
Mrs. Tejada said she also felt a shock while trying to save them, but she managed to pull away in time.
She then called 911, and a dispatcher told her to stay away due to the live wires, which continued to spark in the backyard.
Utility crews responded to the neighborhood and de-energized power lines, allowing firefighters to enter the garage. Both victims died at the scene.
It’s not clear exactly how the lines came down, although the agency issued a statement today confirming that it did happen.
"LADWP is saddened to report that two individuals were electrocuted while coming in contact with downed power lines," the department said in a statement. "These two tragic deaths are a sobering reminder that live electrical wires can and will often result in death. Don't get near or touch a downed power line. If you see a downed line, stay away and immediately call 9-1-1."
The department added that a safe distance should be kept from a victim near, or in contact with, downed wires or electrical equipment. Never touch the victim.
"The current that incapacitates a victim can also harm would-be rescuers," the LADWP said.
Neighbors say the wind was not very strong, so they don't know what caused the wires to come down.
LAPD is conducting a death investigation.
