BCAT News

Fire Chief Michael Patterson and Police Chief Thomas P. Browne report that the Burlington Police and Fire Departments are at the scene of a serious apparent accident involving a driveway paving crew.

At 8:12 a.m., Burlington Police and Fire responded to the area of 8 Carey Ave. for a report of injured road workers. Upon arrival, rescuers found two adult male victims who were suffering from injuries. First responders determined that the two men had been electrocuted, and emergency procedures were immediately implemented to ensure safety for other workers in the area as well as motorists and responding police and fire units.

The workers were treated at the scene and taken by Burlington Fire Department ambulances to area hospitals with serious injuries.

A preliminary investigation indicates that the victims were injured while working on a driveway paving crew for a private contractor when a dump truck bucket made contact with live electrical wires. The first victim, a 20-year-old man, was operating a skid-steer loader when he was electrocuted. The second worker tried to assist the first when he, too, was shocked.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been notified and is responding to the scene. Eversource was also notified and has responded to the scene.

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 to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office are investigating the incident. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration also is conducting an investigation.