Wethersfield, CT
Two tree cutters were seriously injured when their Genie S-60 telescopic boom lift made contact with a power line Saturday afternoon, knocking out electricity to hundreds of customers for several hours.
Firefighters were called to 320 Prospect St. around 5:15 p.m. and found arcing wires on the ground and both workers badly hurt, according to Lt. James Ritter of the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department.
Firefighters couldn't tell whether the workers had been injured by electrical contact, a fall from the platform about 20 feet above ground level, or both. Ambulances took both victims to a hospital; firefighters said their injuries did not appear to be life threatening.
The two victims are employees of a private contractor that was removing a large tree on the property.
The accident left hundreds of Eversource customers with no power. Crews worked Saturday evening to restore service. As of 10:30 p.m., power had been restored.
At 1716 hours, the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department was called to 320 Prospect St. for the report of a tree removal contractor that struck the power lines and a fall from the elevated platform. Upon arrival Firefighters found arcing power lines on the ground and two of the work crew with serious injuries. The injured work crew members were moved to a safe location and EMTs began medical care. Both victims were transported to area hospitals for treatment.
Power is currently out in the general area however, Eversource is on the scene and working on restoring power as quickly as possible. Prospect St. in the area of Only Rd., remains closed at this time for the investigation.
Captain James Ritter - WVFD
