What can be the likely outcome of touching a power line?

Touching a power line can lead to severe consequences, including death, due to the high voltage that power lines carry. When a person comes into contact with a power line, the body's electrical resistance is bypassed, allowing a substantial current to flow through, which can disrupt vital physiological functions, particularly in the heart. The risk of fatal electrocution is high, especially since power lines often carry thousands of volts, far exceeding what is considered safe for human exposure.

While there can be variations in outcome based on factors such as a person's health, the voltage of the power line, and the circumstances of the contact, the potential for death is significantly greater than that of minor injuries or non-life-threatening shocks. Other outcomes, such as minor injuries or electric shocks with no lasting effects, are much less likely when considering the high voltage involved in power lines.