A lineman working to restore power in a storm impacted area of Kentucky has been injured in a fall. A utility executive says the incident underscores the seriousness of the mission to mend electrical lines.
The Licking Valley Rural Electric Cooperative lineman suffered serious injuries Tuesday when the pole he was climbing broke off just below the ground. He had secured himself near the top of the pole in accordance with safety protocol when it broke. The veteran lineman fell some 27 feet, landing in a creek in the Cave Branch area in Wolfe County. Fellow linemen rushed to his aid, rescuing him from icy waters. The injured lineman was air-transported to the University of Kentucky Hospital.
Kentucky Electric Cooperatives CEO Chris Perry says the safety of cooperative crews and co-op members is the top priority. Perry went on to say, quote, ““We know that patience is wearing thin among those still without power, and co-ops are working to restore power as quickly as they safely can. But, co-op crews are not robots, and this accident is a humbling reminder that these linemen risk life and limb to help their fellow co-op members.
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