Array
Tropical Storm Nicole has now claimed the lives of at least 5 people in Florida as it battered the state’s east coast Thursday.
Two people were fatally electrocuted by a downed power line in Orlando, two others died in a crash on Florida’s Turnpike and a fifth person died while aboard a yacht, according to authorities.
In the electrocution deaths, the victims stepped out of their car zapped by a downed power line at Bayfront Parkway and Pershing Avenue at around 9:30 a.m., Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said during a news conference.
“This really is a reminder to use extreme caution while out after a storm,” Demings said. “Never touch a downed power line. Always assume that it is a live wire.”
More than 300,000 power outages have been reported across Florida as of early Thursday afternoon.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the deaths.
