BURLINGTON — Fire Chief Michael Patterson and Police Chief Thomas P. Browne report that the Burlington Police and Fire Departments responded to an apparent accident involving a driveway paving crew.
At 8:12 a.m., on Tuesday, May 17, Burlington Police and Fire received calls that workers had been injured in the area of 8 Carey Ave. Upon arrival, first responders determined that the two workers had suffered electrical shocks. Emergency procedures were immediately implemented to ensure safety for other workers in the area, motorists, and responding police and fire units.
A preliminary investigation indicates that the victims were injured when a dump truck bucket made contact with a 13,800-volt electrical wire. Both men were working on a paving crew and employed by a private contractor.
One worker, a 20-year-old man, was operating a skid-steer loader when he was shocked. He suffered serious burns and was transported by ambulance to Massachusetts General Hospital for treatment of his injuries.
A second worker, a 35-year-old man, was shocked when he attempted to assist his co-worker. He suffered serious burns to a hand, and was transported by ambulance to Lahey Hospital & Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.
Both men were conscious and speaking with investigators on Tuesday afternoon.
Chief Browne and Assistant Fire Chief Andrew Connerty credited a resident of the home who witnessed the incident for calling 9-1-1 immediately. This allowed Burlington Fire to arrive at the scene within minutes, and allowed Burlington Police to immediately reassign detail officers who were working at another worksite nearby.
“Before we really knew what was going on, we were on our way,” Connerty said.
“We know that minutes and seconds save lives,” Chief Browne said. “Through that quick work they received the medical attention they needed.”
Police Chief Browne and Assistant Fire Chief Andrew Connerty also cited the experience of Burlington first responders when reacting to medical emergencies and incidents involving electricity.
Burlington Police Detectives and State Police assigned the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office are investigating the incident. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration also is conducting an investigation.