Massive shock for fruit picker

A 29-year-old woman is in a seriously ill condition after touching powerlines whilst operating a cherry picker near Kununurra.

It would appear that she contacted overhead power lines, which sent a shock through her head and onto the cherry picker through her hands.

It is believed she suffered severe burns to both hands and was conscious but very agitated when ambulance officers arrived.

She was taken to Kununurra Hospital and then flown to Perth, where she was admitted to the Royal Perth Hospital.

Late on Tuesday hospital staff described her condition as seriously ill but stable.

The incident happened on a farm in Jabiru Road, Packsaddle.

A tyre on the cherry picker is believed to have blown out, possibly during the incident.

The woman was believed to have been wearing a large hat at the time, although there were no witnesses.

The cherry picker was being operated by the woman and was located a fair distance from the nearest mango tree.

It is believed WorkSafe officers flew to Kununurra early this week to investigate the incident.

Western Power is assisting inquiries into the accident.

The Office of Energy Safety has also begun an investigation.

Western Power regional branch manager Mike Laughton-Smith said the mango-picking season was in full swing in Kununurra and would soon move to Broome, and later Carnarvon.

He urged all mango farmers and mango pickers to take the time to identify the location of overhead power lines as a safety precaution to prevent a repeat of the unfortunate Kununurra incident.

Mr Laughton-Smith said that last Friday's incident also resulted in the power line to Wyndham tripping and the town was without power for about 30 minutes.