Tree-Care Worker Dies After Lift Contacts Power Line in Pennsylvania
30 Second Takeaway
A 31-year-old tree-care worker died on June 10 after a lift he was working from contacted an overhead power line in Exeter Township, Pennsylvania. He had been trimming a large hedge at a residential property near Reading. The local utility disconnected power to the area, but emergency responders were unable to save him. OSHA was notified and sent an investigator to assist with the investigation. The make and model of the lift and the circumstances leading to the contact have not been confirmed.
Incident Overview
Exeter Township, Pennsylvania, United States
The incident occurred at a residential property in Exeter Township, east of Reading. The worker, Erik Reyna-Wright, 31, was employed by New Castle Lawn & Landscape and was trimming a large hedge from an elevated lift.
The equipment reportedly came into contact with an overhead power line. Utility crews disconnected power to nearby homes, and emergency responders attended the scene. Reyna-Wright was declared dead after the power had been shut off.
What Happened
Based on information available at the time of publication:
A 31-year-old worker was trimming a hedge from an elevated lift.
The incident occurred at a residential property in Exeter Township, near Reading.
The lift or its boom reportedly contacted an overhead power line.
Utility crews disconnected power in the immediate area.
Emergency responders were unable to save the worker.
OSHA was notified and sent an investigator to assist.
New Castle Lawn & Landscape announced the worker’s death and closed for the day on Thursday, June 11.
What Is Known
Equipment involved: Spider lift, as described in the initial report
Incident type: Fatal electrical contact involving an elevated lift
Location: Exeter Township, Pennsylvania
Work scope: Hedge trimming at a residential property
Worker: Erik Reyna-Wright, 31, of Reading
Employer: New Castle Lawn & Landscape
Fatality: One worker
Power-line response: Utility crews disconnected power to nearby homes
Investigation status: OSHA sent an investigator to assist
Early Observations
The initial account indicates that the lift came too close to overhead power lines during hedge-trimming work. Other reports said the equipment contacted a power line. The exact point of contact and the sequence of events have not been confirmed.
The make and model of the lift have not been identified. The available information does not establish whether the machine, the worker or a tool first contacted the energized line.
Why This Incident Was Possible
A lift, its boom, tools or a worker can become energized if they contact an overhead power line. The electrical hazard may also extend to the machine and surrounding area, putting ground workers and responders at risk.
The specific circumstances of this incident remain under investigation. The available information does not establish what work-zone controls or utility coordination were in place.
Industry Reminder
Tree-care and landscape work near power lines requires advance hazard assessment and coordination with the utility. Workers and equipment must remain outside the required approach distance unless the line has been properly de-energized and grounded, or the work is being carried out under the applicable line-clearance procedures.
If equipment contacts a power line, workers on the ground should stay clear and treat the machine and nearby ground as energized until the utility confirms the power is off.
Editorial Note
Crane Hub Global reports on crane, access-equipment and lifting-related incidents to support industry awareness and learning.
This article is based on information available at the time of publication. The circumstances of the power-line contact remain under investigation.
How Lift-Related Electrical Fatalities Can Be Prevented
Identify power lines before work begins
Assess the work area and mark overhead electrical hazards before positioning or raising a lift.
Coordinate with the utility
Arrange for lines to be de-energized and grounded when work cannot maintain the required clearance. Follow the appropriate line-clearance procedures for the task.
Maintain safe separation
Keep the lift, boom, worker and tools clear of power lines, allowing for machine movement and line sway.
Use trained workers and suitable equipment
Ensure crews understand electrical hazards and that equipment is appropriate for the work and operating conditions.
Plan for an electrical emergency
Brief the crew on how to respond to line contact. Keep bystanders away and do not approach the machine until the utility confirms it is safe.
