Contractor installing fiber hospitalized in Anderson Co.

ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – A contractor installing fiber internet in Anderson County was sent to the hospital after an accident involving a live electrical line.

According to Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, the worker was in the Townville area of Anderson County assisting with broadband internet deployment.

Blue Ridge Electric said the worker was injured by an arc flash involving the power line but did not come in direct contact with the line.

Officials said EMS responded to the scene and administered life-saving procedures before taking the victim to AnMed Medical Center for treatment.

The worker was later transferred to a burn center in Augusta, Georgia.

The contractor was working on behalf of Upcountry Fiber and Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative.

“Our top priority is always the safety and well-being of our employees and contractors involved in every aspect of our operations,” said Jim Lovinggood, president and CEO of Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative. “We are saddened to hear that one of our contractors was injured on the job.”

Officials said they are conducting an investigation and are fully cooperating with authorities to determine how the accident happened.

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