Three people died by electrocution on Wednesday after a tree branch fell onto a live power line before toppling onto their SUV, according to first responders in Portland, Oregon.
Two adults and a teenager were killed by the downed electrical wire after they attempted to leave the damaged Ford Expedition during an ice storm.
Witnesses reported seeing one of the three victims on fire.
A bystander, realizing a toddler was still inside and alive, managed to pull the child from the arms of one of the victims on the ground.
The 2-year-old child survived the incident, and was said to be receiving unspecified medical treatment.
Authorities haven’t said if the four people in the vehicle are related, but KOIN was at the scene, and reported seeing a group of people grieving together.
The downed line was shut down until crews could repair it.
Speaking to the media at the scene, fire officials urged the public to remain in their vehicles if a power line somehow touches their vehicle, noting rubber tires keep cars grounded.
The medical examiner’s office will release the identities of the victims later Thursday.