BERNE, N.Y. (AP) — A man working on a utility pole was electrocuted early Friday when low-hanging wires made contact with the basket of his truck, according to police.
The cable company worker was doing routine maintenance in rural Berne, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) west of Albany, at around 2:30 a.m. when the wires touched the basket of the Spectrum truck, electrocuting the man and causing the truck to explode and catch fire, Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple told the Times-Union of Albany.
The unidentified 56-year-old man, who was working alone, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A spokesperson for Charter Communications, Spectrum’s parent company, said it was “a devastating loss.”
“This was a tragic accident with an employee who had been with us for more than 25 years,” spokesperson Lara Pritchard said in an email. “Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and coworkers who worked with him every day.”
Workers will often perform equipment maintenance and upgrades overnight to prevent service interruptions during high-usage hours.
Firefighters douse a blaze at a historic Oregon hotel famously featured in 'The Shining'
The chemicals in your garage that may raise risk of incurable muscle
EU leaders want to talk competitiveness. Middle East tensions and Ukraine top their summit list
Trolls call me 'disgusting' and say 'no man will ever love me' for not shaving my body hair
Next UN climate talks are critical to plot aid for poorer nations, says incoming president
Brian Austin Green says he's learned to 'pick his battles' while co
José Ramírez gets key hit to help the Guardians beat the Red Sox 10
Watch What Happens Live: Kristen Doute says The Valley co
Rock trailblazer Heart reunites for a world tour and a new song
Arizona State hit with NCAA sanctions for improper football recruiting visits during pandemic
Pirates stay careful with prized rookie Jared Jones despite overpowering performance vs Mets