Fort Lauderdale, FL – A landscaping worker died after coming into contact with a live electrical wire while working at a Fort Lauderdale property, according to local fire rescue officials investigating the incident.
The accident happened Thursday in the area of Northeast 15th Court in Fort Lauderdale.
Authorities said the worker, believed to be a man in his 70s, was trimming trees and performing landscaping work when he reportedly struck or touched an energized power line near the property.
Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue crews responded after receiving emergency calls about an electrocution involving a worker in a tree.
First responders arrived to find the landscaper suffering from serious electrical injuries caused by contact with the wire.
Officials said emergency personnel transported the man to a nearby hospital for treatment shortly after the incident occurred.
Authorities later confirmed the worker died from his injuries after arriving at the hospital.
Investigators have not publicly released the victim’s identity pending notification of family members.
Officials also have not said whether the power line was clearly visible before the incident or whether the worker had been using specialized safety equipment at the time.
No additional injuries were reported at the scene.
Utility crews and emergency responders remained in the area for several hours while investigators worked to secure the scene and determine exactly how the accident happened.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.
Officials have not confirmed whether the Occupational Safety and Health Administration will conduct a separate workplace safety review connected to the incident.
The fatal accident comes as officials continue warning workers and contractors about the dangers of overhead power lines during landscaping and tree trimming operations.