FAIRMONT — A lineman was killed Wednesday morning while working on power lines near Fairmont.
The fatal incident happened at 271 Fire Tower Road, Sheriff Ken Sealey said. After the man was injured, he was rushed to the Southeastern Regional Medical Center, where he died.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office received a call at 10:09 a.m. from East Coast Electrical Construction about a lineman being electrocuted, Sealey said. A witnesses said the lineman may have crossed the wrong wires, the sheriff said.
The Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident, but he believes it was accidental, Sealey said.
They lineman’s name has not been released.
Lumbee River Electric Membership Corporation officials are gathering information about the fatal incident. They say the accident victim was a contractor employed by East Coast Electric of Pembroke.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the crews and team members of this individual, but most especially with his family,” said Steven Hunt, CEO and president of Lumbee River EMC.
East Coast Electric is a company that works all along the East Coast. It’s main work area is in Baltimore.
The North Carolina Department of Labor, East Coast Electric and Lumbee River EMC also will conduct an investigation of the incident.
“The safety of our crews, partners and members is Lumbee River EMC’s top priority,” Hunt said. “Any information gathered will be used to further strengthen safety programs.”
Lumbee River EMC, located on 605 E. Fourth Ave. in Red Springs, is a not-for-profit electric cooperative owned by more than 50,000 members. It serves in Cumberland, Hoke, Robeson and Scotland counties.