Two dead at Beaconsfield home after power fails during Perth storm (ABC)

View Comments ABC Power poles in O'Connor were snapped at the base as the storm passed metropolitan Perth.

Police are investigating the deaths of two men in a Perth suburb which lost power during major storms early Monday morning.

The ABC understands the men, both aged 25 and living in the southern Perth suburb of Beaconsfield, had muscular dystrophy, a neuromuscular, genetic disorder which results in the progressive deterioration of muscle strength and function.

Western Australian Police have confirmed their coronial unit is investigating the incident, after being called to the men's residence at 7:30am.

"Both men had pre-existing medical conditions which required medical assistance," the police spokeswoman said.

"The deaths are not being treated as suspicious.

"The investigation will include inquiries into electronic medical equipment they relied on."

Police will prepare a report for the coroner. It is not clear if the two men are related.

A spokesman for Western Power said they were helping police with their enquiries, but declined to comment further.

Muscular Dystrophy Western Australia chief executive John Gummer said he was aware that the two men had died, but he did not know the details of what equipment was being used.

"When storms and power outages occur people relying on electrical equipment should ensure back up batteries and power supplies are fully charged and alarm systems are fully functioning," he said.

Perth's southern suburbs were lashed by heavy rain and wind gusts on early Monday morning, causing damage to several homes and businesses.

The storm front tore roofs off houses, and uprooted trees and power lines, with Hilton, O'Connor and Claremont receiving the brunt of the damage.

At the storm's peak, 12,000 homes were without power, according to Western Power.

The weather bureau recorded wind gusts of more than 85 kilometres per hour in Perth and the South West.

Do you know more about this story? Email investigations@abc.net.au*
http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/24457467/two-dead-at-beaconsfield-home-after-power-fails-during-perth-storm/