Worker Electrocuted While Deploying Broadband Internet Services

Upcountry Fiber and Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative confirmed that a contractor was injured Monday after being electrocuted while deploying broadband internet services in the Townville area. The injury occurred due to an ARC flash from an electrified line. Jim Lovinggood, president and CEO of Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, emphasized that safety is their top priority and expressed that their contractors are considered part of the Upcountry Fiber, West Carolina, and Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative families. The injured worker was taken to the Augusta Burn Center, but their current condition is unknown. Jeff Wilson, CEO of West Carolina Rural Telephone Cooperative, stated that a thorough investigation is underway and expressed hopes for the worker’s full recovery. This incident follows the recent death of a 23-year-old Anderson utility worker, Tristan Stone, who was electrocuted while working on an air conditioning unit last week.