Worker electrocuted in Thornhill industrial accident dies in hospital: police

CP24.com
Nov. 24, 2015
Codi Wilson and Joshua Freeman

A 24-year-old hydro worker is dead after being electrocuted in an industrial accident in Vaughan.

It happened near Highway 7 and Dufferin Street at around 9:40 a.m.

York Regional Police said the man came into contact with power lines when the accident occurred.

He was rushed to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

In a statement issued Tuesday afternoon, PowerStream identified the man as an employee of contractor, PGC Services, and offered its condolences.

“PowerStream and its employees are deeply saddened by this loss of life, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, co-workers and friends at this most difficult time,” Vaughan Mayor and PowerStream chair Maurizio Bevilacqua said in a joint release with PowerStream CEO Brian Bentz.

The company said the man was electrocuted when hydrovac excavation equipment being used to dig holes for new electrical poles came into contact with high-voltage electrical distribution lines overhead.

Police said the man was from Keswick and his family has been notified.

The Ministry of Labour has been called in to investigate the fatal incident and PowerStream has also opened its own internal investigation.

Highway 7 was closed between Dufferin Street and Langstaff Road following the fatal incident. The road has partially reopened, but lane restrictions remain in place due to power outages.