Man hurt badly while working on power lines

WOONSOCKET – A 65-year-old Pawtucket man was reported to have been critically hurt when he contacted power lines at a home he was working on at 338 Park Place Friday afternoon.

According to reports, the man had been using a power lift set up near some overhead power lines in front of the dwelling, when he made contact with the lines above.

Neighbors reported seeing the man slumped over from the electrical contact and also appearing to be severely burned on his upper shoulder.

He was transported by rescue to Landmark Medical Center and no additional information was available on his condition Friday night. Police are reported to be investigating the incident.

Representatives from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and National Grid also responded to the scene of the accident.

National Grid spokesperson Ted Kresse on Friday issued the following statement about the accident.

“Around 1 p.m. we were notified that a member of the public who was working at a house in Woonsocket had come in contact with one of our wires. We immediately deployed crews to the scene to de-energize the local area so first responders could provide assistance and ensure the public’s safety. At this time we have no further details to offer, but we will continue to work with authorities as they examine what happened,” Kresse said.

The equipment the man had been using at the location was described as a scissor lift.

Police taped off the accident scene while investigating.

Neighbors reported he had collapsed in the lift up against the wires before the power was cut and he could be brought down.