Rochester, PA– A roofing project turned tragic in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, when a ladder hoist came into contact with high-voltage power lines, resulting in the death of one roofer and serious injuries to three others.
The accident occurred on Wednesday, June 25, as an eight-man crew from Buccos Roofing was working on the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, located just northwest of Pittsburgh. While repositioning a tall ladder hoist, several workers inadvertently touched a 23,000-volt overhead power line, leading to a devastating chain of events.
According to reports from KDKA, WTAE, and WPXI, four workers were electrocuted, and three went into cardiac arrest. First responders were called immediately by the rest of the crew. The three critically injured workers were rushed to Heritage Valley Beaver Hospital, then later airlifted to UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh for specialized care. One worker, though conscious after the incident, declined medical treatment.
Sadly, Victor Garcia, 28, of Coraopolis, succumbed to his injuries. His death was officially ruled as caused by high-voltage electrocution.
According to a witness, four of the workers were moving a ladder hoist when they stepped on uneven ground, causing the ladder to tip and strike the top power line. The power lines in question reportedly carried more electricity than usual, as they supplied power directly to the church, according to Duquesne Light.
OSHA is investigating the incident.
