It was 18:07 at a condominium complex in the Jatiúca neighborhood of Maceió, Brazil.
A boy approached the metal gate of the soccer field and, when he touched it, the current seized him. He froze, stuck to the gate. His friend ran to help him and received the same electric shock, which pushed him backward.
Anyone else would have given up then. He didn’t. He moved forward again, grabbed him by the legs, and pulled with all his strength until he brought him down away from the gate. That broke his contact with the electricity.
Security cameras recorded everything. After the shock, both boys can be seen sitting on the ground, shaken but conscious.
According to the family, the boy was in contact with the electrified structure for about 10 seconds. Doctors said the way he was rescued was key to preventing more serious consequences. He did not suffer any serious injuries.
Experts remind everyone never to touch a person who has been electrocuted directly: the safe thing to do is cut off the power or use an insulating material and call emergency services.