North Charleston, January 8, 2026
Two 25-year-old men lost their lives in a tragic incident involving a scissor lift that came into contact with overhead power lines in North Charleston. The accident occurred while they were working in the dark and attempting to illuminate their surroundings with mobile phone lights. A bystander reported the incident and tried to warn them, but unfortunately, the scissor lift ignited after being electrified. The North Charleston Police Department is currently investigating the circumstances leading to this dire event.
North Charleston
Two Men Electrocuted After Scissor Lift Hits Power Lines in North Charleston
Two men tragically died on Tuesday evening, January 6th, in North Charleston after the scissor lift they were operating made contact with overhead power lines. The North Charleston Police Department is currently investigating the fatal incident, which also resulted in the lift catching fire.
Investigation Underway into Tragic Accident
The incident occurred as the two individuals were reportedly working on overhead lines. According to the local police and a witness, the area was dark, and the men were using only the lights from their mobile phones to illuminate their work. This lack of adequate lighting appears to have contributed to them missing the power lines, leading to the platform becoming entangled in the wires. The electrical current then passed through the equipment to the ground, causing the lift to ignite.
Officers from the North Charleston Police Department were the first responders to arrive at the scene. However, due to the machine still being electrified and the raging fire, they were initially unable to provide immediate assistance. A team from Dominion Power subsequently arrived, successfully cut the power to the lines, and extinguished the fire. Following this, both the police and power teams attempted to lower the platform away from the wires but were unsuccessful. The bodies of the two men were recovered later.
Bystander Attempted to Warn Victims
A bystander who reported the incident informed police that he had attempted to warn the two men as they were getting close to the power lines, but his warnings went unheeded. Both victims were identified as 25-year-old men.
The North Charleston Police Department continues its investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding this devastating accident. Authorities are expected to examine all factors, including safety protocols, equipment operation, and environmental conditions at the time of the incident.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What happened in North Charleston on Tuesday evening, January 6th?
- Two men were electrocuted after the scissor lift they were operating hit overhead power lines.
- Who is investigating the incident?
- The North Charleston Police Department is investigating the fatal incident.
- What caused the electrocution?
- The scissor lift the men were using came into contact with overhead power lines.
- What were the working conditions like?
- The area was dark, and the men were reportedly using only mobile phone lights for illumination while working on overhead lines.
- What happened after the lift hit the power lines?
- The platform became tangled in the wires, electrical current passed through to the ground, and the lift caught fire.
- What was the emergency response?
- North Charleston Police Department officers were first on scene but couldn’t help immediately due to the live machine and fire. Dominion Power arrived, cut power, and extinguished the fire.
- Were the victims identified?
- Both victims were 25-year-old men.
- Was there a witness?
- A bystander reported the incident and attempted to warn the men before the electrocution occurred.
Key Details of the North Charleston Electrocution Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | North Charleston |
| Date of Incident | Tuesday evening, January 6th |
| Equipment Involved | Scissor lift (aerial work platform/utility truck with a platform) |
| Cause of Electrocution | Contact with overhead power lines |
| Number of Fatalities | 2 men |
| Victim Ages | Both 25 years old |
| Working Conditions | Darkness, using mobile phone lights |
| Emergency Services Involved | North Charleston Police Department, Dominion Power |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing by North Charleston Police Department |
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