Watch CBS News

Tree-Trimmer Dies After Power Line Hit In Pa.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) — Emergency and utility officials say a tree-trimmer has died after apparently striking a high-voltage power line in eastern Pennsylvania.

Officials said the victim was part of a crew clearing tree branches away from power lines along a towpath in Bethlehem under the Minsi Trail Bridge.

Emergency crews said the accident caused two tree-trimming trucks to catch fire, and a PPL Electric Utilities spokesman said the victim either fell or jumped into the Lehigh River.

The name of the victim hasn't been released, and officials said it appears no one else was hurt.

The utility said the maintenance work occurs annually in advance of Musikfest.

Police said power lines were deactivated in the area, causing some outages in the city.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.