Man In His Mid-20s Killed While Trimming Trees In Northborough

NORTHBOROUGH, MA — A man in his mid-20s died after coming in contact with high power lines on South St. at Garrison Circle Wednesday morning.

The 911 call came in at 9:24 a.m. Wednesday with the caller reporting that his friend was trimming trees and came in contact with the wires, according to Northborough Police Chief William E. Lyver.

"First arriving responders noticed the lift in use was in contact with high voltage electrical lines that were energized and the operator was not responsive," Lyver said. "With the unit energized responders had to wait for a power company crew to arrive and cut power to the neighborhood."

National Grid turned off power to the area.

"This morning our crews responded to an incident on South Street in Northboro where a member of the public came into contact with one of our wires," Christine Milligan, media relations representative for National Grid said. "This has been a very sad day for all involved. Our hearts are with this person’s loved ones."

"It was determined the victim trimming the trees was deceased upon the officers' arrival," Lt. Brian Griffin said in a news conference. "It appears to be a tragic accident."

Police are reframing from releasing the victim's name at this time.

Northborough police are working with State Police detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney's Office, the National Grid, OSHA, the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards and the Northborough Fire Department investigating the incident, according to Northborough police.

The tree trimmers were working for a private landscaping company, who had been hired by two homeowners who live across the street from each other, Griffin said.

WCVB reports that the tree company is Darryl Henry Arborist & Landscape out of Shrewsbury.

Residents should avoid the area as the investigation continues. Detours are in place and police are directing traffic away from the area at Northgate Road and Longfellow Road, according to the dispatcher, but the roads are expected to reopen by early evening.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.