East Haddam Workplace Accident Results in Death of Tree Worker

Connecticut Department of Public Safety, Oct 29, 2007

At 9:46 a.m. on October 22nd , State Troopers and Emergency Medical personnel responded to the scene of a reported workplace accident on North Moodus Road in East Haddam, CT.

Upon their arrival, Troopers and EMS personnel discovered that an employee of a tree trimming company had been the victim of an electrical shock and it was discovered that the victim was deceased.

The victim, an employee of ABC Tree Services, had been part of a 5 man-2 truck crew working on North Moodus Road as sub contractors for Connecticut Light and Power clearing tree limbs and branches around power lines along the roadway.

Based on the initial on scene investigation it was determined that the victim was working on the ground in front of a bucket truck when the boom (the arm of the lift) either came in contact or close proximity of live power lines. An electrical surge traveled from the power lines to the truck and then to the victim.

The victim has been identified as PETER SOKOLOVSKY, age 30, of Brooklyn, CT, and he was an employee of the tree cutting company sub contracted by CL&P.

The State Police are conducting an untimely accidental death investigation. The  medical examiners office has also responded to the scene for a post mortem examination and to determine a proper ruling on the death.

An investigator from O.S.H.A. will also be investigating this incident.