Two dogs were shocked, one of them fatally, after a pinched wire caused a manhole cover and light pole to become “electrically live” over the weekend in River North, according to officials.
The two dogs were shocked while walking over a manhole cover just hours apart Sunday morning in the 600 block of North Dearborn Street, according to Chicago police.
One dog was taken to the vet in good condition. Police did not know the condition of the other dog.
Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) confirmed one dog has died.
ComEd and the city utility crews responded to incidents Sunday and declared the area safe.
While stray voltage is “rare,” according to the city’s Department of Transportation, melting snow and salt can increase the risk.
The department recommends that owners prevent their pets from touching metal objects, such as light poles and manhole covers, especially in the winter.
Residents concerned about a location can report it to the city by calling 311.