See How Christmas Light Installer Shocked by Live Wire in Near-Fatal Electrocution Incident
A man narrowly escaped death after a shocking accident while decorating a large tree with Christmas lights in Wellesley, Massachusetts. According to the Wellesley Police Department, the incident occurred around 10 a.m. on Wednesday when a contractor, hired by a local resident, was using a long pole to hang lights on the tree. The pole reportedly came into contact with a nearby electrical line, delivering a life-threatening electric shock to the worker.
The victim immediately collapsed and was unresponsive, appearing to have a seizure and no longer breathing. A 911 call was placed, and the dispatcher quickly instructed the caller on how to perform CPR. The caller continued administering chest compressions until police arrived moments later.
Officers Tim Gover, Mike Pino, and Scott Whittemore were the first to respond, finding the victim in cardiac arrest. A co-worker was still performing CPR as instructed, and officers took over the lifesaving efforts. They began clearing the area while working to stabilize the victim. Emergency responders used a defibrillator and delivered several shocks before the man regained a pulse.
He was rushed to Newton Wellesley Hospital, then transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital for further treatment. An investigation by Wellesley Police confirmed that the pole had made contact with a high-voltage electrical line, causing the electrocution.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been notified and is now investigating the incident in collaboration with local authorities. The Wellesley Police, Fire, and Municipal Light Plant (WMLP) departments have expressed their support for the victim and his family during this difficult time. The investigation is ongoing, and further details have not yet been released.
