Worker Electrocuted After His Bucket Hits Live Wires

The victim was hoisting a bucket up some scaffolding when the bucket hit some a power line

A bricklayer was electrocuted Monday afternoon when the bucket he was hoisting up to some third-floor scaffolding hit a power line.

Witnesses told NBC10's Terry Ruggles that the victim then touched that same power line. He toppled from the scaffold all the way to the ground at 20th and Parrish Streets in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia. The man, identified as Andres Cano, 32, was pronounced dead at the scene around 1:45 p.m.

One of Cano's co-workers witnessed the horrific accident.

"I tried to grab him but I couldn't," said Aquilino Ramirez. "I looked the other way because I didn't want to see him fall. I just heard when he hit the ground." 

Rina Yedra, Cano's sister-in-law, said he was a native of Mexico and began working in construction eight months ago, giving his family every dollar he made.

"He was a good man," said Yedra. "He worked hard, worked here so he could send money back home for his kids and wife."

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, PECO and the City's Department of Licenses and Inspections are investigating. Cano's family tells NBC10 they always had safety concerns about the site.

"If you're up three stories high you should have a belt or something connected if you trip," said Yedra. "Something to protect you."

NBC10 called the victim's emplyer but did not hear back. Cano's family says they plan to send their loved one's body back to Mexico.


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