Spectrum employee electrocuted on the job

Berne, N.Y. (WRGB) — A utility company worker died Friday after being electrocuted while working on a utility pole.

Around 2:40 a.m. Friday, Albany County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Long Road in the town of Berne for a vehicle on fire.

According to police, officers upon arrival observed a Spectrum Cable bucket truck in the roadway fully engulfed in flames.

Investigation revealed that a Spectrum Cable worker was conducting routine maintenance on a utility pole and while up in the basket of the bucket truck, the worker came in contact with an electric line, causing them to be electrocuted and an explosion to occur. The worker was pronounced dead at the scene.

Spectrum Cable was notified and responded to the scene and is assisting with the investigation. The identification of the worker is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

The parent company of Spectrum, Charter Communications, issued a statement regarding the employee's death.

This was a tragic accident with an employee who had been with us for more than 25 years. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and coworkers who worked with him every day. This is a devastating loss for everyone, and he will be greatly missed.