Investigations into Electrocution Incidents in State College and Centre County
This article examines recent electrocution incidents in State College and Centre County, Pennsylvania, shedding light on the circumstances, investigations, and safety concerns surrounding these tragic events.
Electrocution Fatality on South Water Street
On a Sunday, emergency responders were dispatched to the 200 block of South Water Street in Ferguson Township following a report of an electrocution. According to Centre County Coroner Scott A. Sayers and acting township police Chief Shawn J. Morrison, a man later identified as Tong, died at the scene.
Tong and a woman were stopped by a tree that had fallen across state Route 26 during a storm. As they exited their vehicle and walked down a ditch toward Pine Grove Mills, Tong stepped on a downed power line. Alpha Fire Co. and Centre LifeLink EMS provided assistance at the scene.
The incident occurred amidst severe weather conditions that impacted Centre County. Strong winds accompanying heavy storms led to downed trees and power lines throughout the region, causing widespread outages. A tornado watch and severe thunderstorm warning were in effect on that Sunday afternoon, with the National Weather Service warning of damaging winds across western and central Pennsylvania.
The storm's impact extended beyond the immediate vicinity of the electrocution. More than 10,000 West Penn Power customers experienced power outages for hours. Several school districts were affected, with Ferguson Township Elementary School closed due to a continued power outage, and State College Area School District operating on a two-hour delay. Road closures, including Fox Hollow Road between Bernel Road and Fillmore Road, were implemented due to downed utility lines.
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State College Electrocution Fatality on University Drive
In a separate incident, a 22-year-old man, Bryce Lowman of Chambersburg, was electrocuted Tuesday evening near a utility pole in State College. Emergency officials were called to the 1500 Block of University Dr., where Lowman was pronounced dead at the scene. State College Police reported that Lowman was attempting to put out a mulch fire when he came into contact with an active electric current. An autopsy was scheduled.
OSHA Investigation into Concurrent Group LLC Incident
An earlier incident in January 2023 prompted an investigation by the Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The investigation focused on an incident involving employees of Concurrent Group LLC.
OSHA's findings revealed that a digger derrick truck used by the employees was parked beneath energized overhead power lines. A worker then began operating the truck’s boom to unload a metal crossbeam. OSHA determined that Concurrent Group LLC failed to inspect the site and equipment to ensure that employees did not approach overhead power lines and to ground all equipment before starting work.
Condell Eastmond, OSHA Area Office Director in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, stated that "An employee lost their life because Concurrent Group LLC failed to use required safeguards before starting work that morning."
Safety Considerations and Prevention
These incidents highlight the critical importance of safety precautions around power lines and electrical equipment. The following points should be considered:
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- Awareness of surroundings: Always be aware of the location of power lines, both overhead and underground. Maintain a safe distance from them, especially when operating machinery or working outdoors.
- Downed power lines: Treat all downed power lines as if they are energized. Never approach or touch them. Report downed lines to the power company immediately.
- Storm safety: During storms, be aware of the risk of falling trees and power lines. Stay indoors if possible. If you must go outside, be extremely cautious of your surroundings.
- Equipment grounding: Ensure that all equipment is properly grounded before use. This helps to prevent electrical shocks in the event of a fault.
- Workplace safety: Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment for their employees. This includes conducting thorough site inspections, providing adequate training, and ensuring that employees follow all safety procedures.
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