North Charleston, January 8, 2026
A devastating incident in North Charleston resulted in the deaths of two utility workers, both aged 25, who were found in a cherry picker engulfed in flames after contacting live power lines. Emergency responders faced immediate challenges in extinguishing the fire due to the presence of live electricity. The circumstances leading to this tragedy remain under investigation by OSHA, highlighting the dangers associated with utility work and the importance of stringent safety measures.
North Charleston
Two Utility Workers Perish in Devastating Power Line Incident
The evening of January 6 saw a tragic incident unfold in North Charleston, where two 25-year-old utility workers were discovered deceased and engulfed in flames within a cherry picker. The catastrophic event occurred on Goer Drive, apparently after the equipment made contact with live utility power lines. Emergency services faced immediate challenges in controlling the blaze, as the presence of live electricity prevented initial firefighting efforts until the power supply was safely disconnected.
Immediate Response to a Perilous Scene
Authorities and fire crews were dispatched to the site following reports of the incident. Upon arrival, they encountered a perilous scene: a cherry picker entangled in high-voltage power lines, with two individuals inside actively on fire. The inherent danger of energized electrical lines meant that firefighters could not immediately begin extinguishing the flames, prioritizing the safety of emergency personnel. This critical delay underscored the severe risks associated with such incidents.
A prompt call was made to Dominion Energy, the local power provider, requesting an emergency shutdown of the electrical grid in the vicinity of the accident. Dominion Energy personnel responded swiftly, successfully de-energizing the power lines. Only after the electricity was cut could fire crews move in to extinguish the fire and assess the full extent of the tragedy. Both of the men were 25 years old.
Circumstances Leading to the Fatal Accident
Reports from witnesses at the scene shed light on some of the circumstances preceding the fatal contact. It was observed that the two young men were engaged in their work on the power lines at night without the aid of conventional flashlights. Instead, they were reportedly relying solely on a cell phone light for illumination. Furthermore, a witness reportedly issued a warning to the workers, cautioning them that their equipment was positioned too close to the overhead lines. Despite this warning, the scissor lift they were operating subsequently made contact with the live utility lines, leading to the electrocution and fire.
As of the latest information, the identities of the two deceased workers have not been released to the public. The name of the company that employed them has also been withheld. A spokesperson for Dominion Energy confirmed that the individuals involved were not employees of the utility company, leaving open the question of whether they were independent contractors working on a project.
Intensive Investigation by OSHA
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident. This federal agency is tasked with ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for employees by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. OSHA’s investigation will meticulously examine all aspects of the accident, including the equipment used, the safety procedures in place, the training provided to the workers, and any potential violations of workplace safety regulations. The findings of this investigation are crucial for understanding how such a catastrophic event occurred and for implementing measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The Perils of Utility Work: A Constant Vigilance
The work performed by utility professionals is vital for maintaining essential services, but it comes with inherent and significant risks, particularly when dealing with high-voltage electricity. Electrocution, severe burns, falls from height, and other injuries are constant threats. Safety protocols in this industry are rigorously developed and constantly updated to mitigate these dangers. Utility workers undergo extensive training programs covering electrical safety, equipment operation, emergency procedures, and first aid. These programs emphasize the critical importance of situational awareness, proper tool usage, and adherence to established safety guidelines to protect workers from hazards.
Rigorous Training and Certification
Utility workers receive specialized education and hands-on training for working around high-voltage electricity. This training includes understanding electrical circuits, safe lockout/tagout procedures, and emergency response. Certification processes ensure that workers meet industry standards for safety and competence.
Essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The use of appropriate personal protective equipment is non-negotiable in utility work. This includes insulating gloves and sleeves, hard hats, safety glasses, arc-rated clothing, and specialized footwear. PPE acts as a crucial barrier between workers and potential electrical hazards, significantly reducing the risk of injury.
Pre-Job Briefings and Thorough Hazard Assessments
Before any work commences on power lines, comprehensive pre-job briefings are conducted. These discussions cover the scope of work, identified hazards, safety measures to be implemented, and emergency contact information. Hazard assessments aim to identify and mitigate risks specific to the work environment, including assessing weather conditions, equipment status, and proximity to energized lines.
Maintaining Safe Approach Distances
A fundamental safety principle in utility work is maintaining safe approach distances (SAD) from energized electrical conductors and equipment. Workers are trained to accurately judge these distances and to use tools and equipment that prevent inadvertent contact. The reported use of a cell phone for illumination instead of proper work lights could significantly impair a worker’s ability to accurately gauge these distances in low-light conditions, underscoring the importance of adequate, dedicated lighting for safety.
Importance of Proper Illumination for Night Work
Working at night or in low-light conditions adds another layer of complexity and risk to utility operations. Adequate illumination is crucial for workers to clearly see their surroundings, identify potential hazards, read equipment displays, and maintain safe distances from power lines. Relying on insufficient light sources, such as a cell phone light, can compromise visibility and significantly increase the risk of accidents. This incident highlights the critical need for robust lighting solutions for all nighttime utility work.
Community Mourns Tragic Loss
The incident has sent shockwaves through the North Charleston community, highlighting the often-unseen dangers faced by individuals working to maintain critical infrastructure. The loss of two young lives is a profound tragedy, prompting reflection on worker safety and the demanding nature of utility roles. As the investigation by OSHA progresses, the community awaits further details, hoping that the findings will lead to strengthened safety protocols and prevent future such heartbreaking occurrences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened in North Charleston on January 6?
Two 25-year-old utility workers were found dead and on fire in a cherry picker after apparently making contact with live utility power lines on Goer Drive in North Charleston the evening of January 6.
What were the ages of the workers who died?
Both of the men who died were 25 years old.
What caused the fire and deaths?
A scissor lift, which the two men were operating, struck active electrical lines, leading to electrocution and fire.
Were there any witnesses to the event?
Yes, witnesses at the scene reported that the workers were reportedly without flashlights and were using only a cell phone light while working at night. A witness reportedly warned the men that they were operating too close to the overhead lines.
Was Dominion Energy involved in the immediate aftermath?
Yes, fire crews responded to calls but were initially unable to douse the flames until Dominion Energy responded and cut power to the area.
Were the deceased workers employees of Dominion Energy?
A Dominion spokesman said the men were not employees of the utility company.
Is an investigation underway?
Yes, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating the incident.
Key Information at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | Evening of January 6 |
| Location | Goer Drive, North Charleston |
| Victims | Two men, both 25 years old |
| Cause of Death | Electrocution after scissor lift contacted live utility power lines |
| Initial Emergency Response Challenge | Fire crews unable to douse flames until power was cut |
| Utility Company Involved | Dominion Energy (responded to cut power) |
| Worker Employment Status | Not employees of Dominion Energy; unclear if independent contractors |
| Witness Observations | Workers reportedly without flashlights, using cell phone light; warned about proximity to lines |
| Investigating Authority | U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
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