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K'Brianna Griffin (WDIV photo)
Update, 11:30 a.m. Thursday: The Detroit Public Lighting Department and DTE issue a joint statement:
We are deeply concerned about the circumstances of this tragedy and are continuing to investigate every aspect of this incident to determine exactly what happened from the time a problem was first reported.
Our initial investigation indicates that an out-of-service Public Lighting Department wire fell and crossed over a live DTE wire, which effectively energized the PLD line that the young girl came into contact with.
We are committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure this doesn't happen again. Our hearts go out to the family of this young girl during this very difficult time.
Original article, Thursday Morning:
A 12-year-old Detroit girl died in a tragic mishap on Wednesday night on Detroit's northwest side.
WDIV's Kimberly Gill reports that the girl was playing with a friend in the backyard of a home in the 16700 block of St. Mary's Street near Grove Street, and they were videotaping one another, when she backed into a low-hanging electrical wire and electrocuted herself.
She was visiting the home where she was pronounced dead.
WXYZ identifies the victim as K'Brianna Griffin.
"Information from the citizens is that the wire has been down for a while," Detroit Police Capt. Mark Thornton says, according to WDIV. "The residents of the location have just moved in within the last month and really weren't aware that there was any danger."
A DTE statement says:
"The incident that occurred tonight was tragic, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the young lady. We are working with the city and other agencies as they investigate this unfortunate event.
"The electrical line was part of the city’s electrical system. We will continue to work with the city to fully understand the circumstances."