2 Utility Workers Electrocuted In Warwick

WARWICK, NY — Two men were killed by electrocution Monday in Warwick. The two were contract workers for Orange & Rockland Utilities doing maintenance on a power line when it happened at about 11 a.m.

Firefighters were initially called out on a report of a brush fire.

The workers were employed by E-J Electric, a transmission and distribution company in Wallingford, Conn.

Company spokesman Mike Donovan said the men were performing work for O&R along a transmission right-of-way in rough terrain.

"These contractor employees generally perform transmission repair work for O&R and also provide distribution repair support during storm response," he said. "Customers in the area experienced a brief outage as O&R worked to facilitate emergency response to the location.

"O&R is working on-site with authorities on a thorough investigation into this tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with these two men, their families and our colleagues who worked with them on a daily basis."

Donovan told the Times Herald-Record an all-terrain vehicle the men had used “melted right down” because of the fire.