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Verizon worker electrocuted

From staff reports

VIENNA - Despite a desperate attempt by a co-worker to save him, a Verizon employee was electrocuted while repairing a downed line Monday, Oneida County sheriff's deputies said. Jarrod Lyon, 28, of Howard Avenue, Dolgeville was working on Herder Road in the western Oneida County town of Vienna at about 1:30 p.m. when the accident happened, deputies said. High winds downed several power and phone lines through the region Sunday. Deputies said this is what happened: Lyon was in a bucket truck about 15 to 20 feet high, while his partner Joseph Aiello was on the ground. They were handling an unshielded support cable attached to several poles. Lyon held a loose end under his arm, using a device providing tension with one hand while shaking the cable through the supports on the poles with the other hand. As the cable moved, it came in contact with the 12,500-volt primary line above. The power followed the cable 1,000 feet to Lyon, passed through him and then to the ground. Aiello, no age or address available, lowered Lyon to the ground and started CPR. McConnellsville firefighters responded and assisted with CPR as Lyons was taken to Rome Memorial Hospital where he died of the injuries, deputies said. Aiello, though near Lyon, was unhurt. Albany-area Verizon spokesman Cliff Lee did not discuss or other specifics Monday. Verizon officials will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the accident, he said. This is obviously a very tragic event, Lee said. Roberts-Buck Funeral Home of Dolgeville was handling Lyon's arrangements, which were incomplete as of Monday night. Contributing: Kelly Hassett, Tim Blydenburgh
Courtesy: www.Safteng.net