WSB Live Van Hits Power Line, No Injuries

A WSB-TV reporter and photographer were taken to Grady Hospital Wednesday after the mast on their live van came into contact with a power line and sparked an explosion. Both men were listed in good condition, but were shaken up.

Masts that extend from the roof of live vans and facilitate live TV must not come into contact with power lines, because the consequences can be deadly.

On Wednesday after noon, a WSB-TV news crew was leaving the Fulton County jail with its mast extended. That mast came into contact with a live wire.

An eyewitness said he heard an explosion. "I've never seen anything like this before. I've been on the job 22 years," said Captain Reginald Turner. "I was about to try to get in my vehicle and advise them that the mast was still up but by the time I got in my car, I noticed the explosion when the mast made contact with the overhead power lines. The explosion could be heard all around."

A WSB-TV photographer and reporter were inside, but managed to get out of the burning truck.

Capt. Turner said he saw the pair flee the van. "They were discombobulated to the point, I don't know if it was my screams, but they were just stunned. I just kept telling them to be still," said Capt. Turner.

"As we see here, it could have been a lot worse," said Captain Bill May of Atlanta Fire and Rescue.

Photographer Leonard Raglin was released from the hospital Wednesday afternoon and reporter Tom Jones was expected to be released some time Wednesday.

WSB said they will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident.