Crane Safety – Safety Precautions for Working Near Overhead Pow Fatality File

3 Killed in Pa. as Crane Hits 7,200-Volt Line 

A crane operator was electrocuted, and two co-workers died trying to save him after the crane struck an overhead power line at a concrete plant in a suburb of Philadelphia.

As electricity coursed through the rig, one of the rescuers began administering CPR. But the second worker touched the still-electrified crane, sending a deadly jolt through all three men, authorities said.

Terrified co-workers stood by until the live wire was shut off, said George Strickland, general manager of the JDM Materials plant where the accident took place.

While they waited, the crane caught fire and was left a smoking ruin. A 7,200-volt electrical line remained draped over its boom hours after the accident. Witnesses said the crane was backing up when it ran into the wires, Strickland said.

Authorities did not immediately release the names of the victims.

Strickland said the three worked for a company that had been hired to demolish an old structure at the plant.