30.11.2006

Loader crane operator electrocuted

A builder’s merchants delivery man James A. Schock, 35, was electrocuted this week, while unloading roofing shingles with his loader craneat a house in Bethlehem Pennsylvania, USA.

The homeowner, Joe Murtha, who was working on the roof of the house, shouted a warning to Schock to watch out for the overhead electrical wires. But it was too late.

Schck was operating the crane with a remote controller when the boom hit the wires, and was not initially affected, but when the tyres on the truck started to smoke he tried to get into the cab, apparently to move it. He was electrocuted, as soon as he touched the truck's door

Murtha said that he heard a zapping noise as the top of the boom touched a wire "I could hear the wires arc and spark,"he said. He yelled for his wife to call the emergency services and shouted to Schock not to move.

Sadly the advice was ignored and after he touched the door the truck caught fire.

Northampton County chief deputy coroner Kelly Gillis said Schock, who worked for Harvey Industries of Hanover, died at the scene.

The Northampton County coroner's office is investigating the death, and a representative from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration also was called to the scene.


Around 80 local residents were left without power, for a few hours following the accident.