Two City of Waukegan Public Works employees are in the hospital after a tree-trimming operation went awry Thursday morning. According to the WGN-TV, while at the intersection of East Greenwood Avenue and Pershing Road, a crane attached to their truck made contact with active power lines, electrocuting the workers.
Fire crews responded to the emergency shortly before noon, and found two workers with injuries. One of the men had suffered electrical burns and was airlifted to Loyola Medical Center, fire officials indicated that the other was taken to the hospital by ambulance. There has been no immediate update on the extent of the second worker’s injuries.
The incident prompted a reaction from fellow Public Works employees, who according to reports, contacted 911 and provided immediate care until the paramedics arrived. Aerial footage from SkyCam 9, showed the scene cordoned off with caution tape. NBC Chicago noted that workers administered first aid before the arrival of emergency services.
Officials from ComEd, the regional power company, were also summoned to secure the area, ensuring that the power lines posed no additional threat. The condition of the power lines following the incident has not yet been shared with the public. Meanwhile, the health status of the two individuals remains a concern, as further updates are awaited.
