Crane Electrified, Operator Rescued

The operator of a crane in Chester is safe after a couple of tense hours.  The arm of the crane swung over and hit live power lines, forcing the operator to sit in the cab until it was safe to get out.  The operator had to remain in position, fearing the entire unit was electrified.

It happened on the Chester Bridge on Middlesex Avenue just before 11am Monday.

Rescue crews were forced to stay about two phone poles away until CL&P cut power to the area.  They instructed to crane operator to stay inside the cab.  It took about two hours for crews to cut the power and make sure the 23,000 volt lines and crane were de-energized. 

Two hours after the ordeal started, the operator was able to get out of the crane unharmed.  He works for Conview Construction, said state police.

Power was restored to homes and businesses in the area by mid-afternoon.

State police and OSHA are investigating what went wrong.

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