WEST GARDINER, Maine — A log truck operator was killed after his vehicle came in contact with a power line on Friday afternoon.
West Gardiner Fire Chief Chris McLaughlin said the victim, a man in his late 40s or early 50s from West Gardiner, was electrocuted while moving logs near power lines.
Lucas Tree Experts of Portland was clearing trees away from Central Maine Power lines, according to McLaughlin. He said the log truck operator who was electrocuted was a subcontractor and didn’t work for Lucas Tree Experts.
“He was operating a boom carrying logs and contacted the wire. It electrocuted the operator,” said McLaughlin. The area around the operator also caught on fire.
McLaughlin wouldn’t release the name of the operator.
The incident knocked out power to 6,900 residents in Richmond and southern Kennebec County, The Associated Press reported. A few hundred residents were still without power late Friday afternoon.
The Morning Sentinel has identified the victim.
Sad story – always be careful around electricity, no matter what.
Ronald M. Hickey, 53, was working as an independent contractor for Central Maine Power to clear utility lines when the deadly incident occurred. I considered Ron a friend as he cut and removed three large trees from my property last summer. Ron was as nice a person as you will ever meet.
It is really sad!! I’m not sure if we’re related to him, my dad’s family are Hickey’s from
West Gardiner!! So sad!!!!
My heart goes out to him & his family..
Ron was a great human being and will be sadly missed by friends, family and the Town.
Ron was a great man. He will be sadly missed by his friends, family and the Town of West Gardiner.
Sad, I cringe everytime I see crews trimming trees around power lines knowing they are live.