Company releases statement after worker electrocuted in Anderson Co.
Critical Incident in Townville
Townville, South Carolina – A contractor for Upcountry Fiber was electrocuted on Monday while deploying broadband internet services in Anderson County. The authorities promptly transported the worker to the Augusta Burn Center for treatment. However, his current condition remains unknown.
The incident occurred while the worker, whose identity has yet to be released, was operating in the Townville area. Eyewitnesses reported an ARC flash from an electrified line, which injured the contractor. Upcountry Fiber and Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative subsequently confirmed the incident.
Immediate Response
Upon learning about the incident, the President and CEO of Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, Jim Lovinggood, emphasized worker safety as their foremost priority. “Our contractors are part of the Upcountry Fiber, West Carolina, and Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative families. Our top priority is always the safety and well-being of our employees and contractors involved in every aspect of our operations”, he stated.
At this moment, efforts are wholly focused on conducting an in-depth investigation into how this incident occurred. CEO of West Carolina Rural Telephone Cooperative, Jeff Wilson, assured they are cooperating fully with the authorities to reach the bottom of the episode. “We care about each of our employees and contractors and are praying for a complete recovery”, he added.
Tragic Precedent
Last week, the locality saw a similar tragedy when a youthful Anderson utility worker, Tristan Stone, aged 23, was electrocuted on the job while working on an air conditioning unit. This incident resulted in the untimely demise of the young worker, leaving the community shocked and concerned about the safety of utility workers.
Call for Caution
These unfortunate incidents have significantly underlined the need for reinforced safety measures for utility workers. Whether it’s the installation of broadband services or maintenance of air conditioning units, conducting operations around electrified lines necessitates foolproof safety protocols to protect workers from potential hazards.
The respective companies, Upcountry Fiber and Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, are undoubtedly grappling with the aftermath of these incidents. Beyond the immediate responses and ongoing investigations, there is expected to be an overall evaluation and likely revision of safety procedures to prevent such accidents in the future.
This unfortunate chain of events sends a resounding message regarding worker safety, pushing companies and contractors alike to revisit safety protocols and ensure that every effort is being made to protect the ones who keep our services up and running.
Stay Updated
Details about the injured worker’s current state are yet to emerge. Stakeholders are eagerly awaiting an update about his condition whilst wishing for his speedy recovery.
Author: HERE Greenwood
GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
