Allentown man in critical condition after coming in contact with power line

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — An Allentown man is reportedly in critical condition after coming in contact with a power line and being shocked by electricity, officials say. 

Peter Hernandez said he came outside on North 12th Street in Allentown and could hear a man up in a lift, who first responders said was shocked by electricity after hitting a power line.

“Came out, he was like asking God to help him, you know,” said Hernandez.

First responders said both men in the lift were injured.

OSHA and PPL workers could be seen on North 12th Street.

The shock damaged the lift’s controls, so first responders had to suspend from a fire truck ladder to rescue them.

Officials said one man had more extensive injuries and is in critical condition.

“Took his shirt off, he was all burned up,” said Hernandez.

Allentown Fire Captain Jon Hammel said one man was reported unconscious when the 911 call came in.

“We arrived, we found both the males conscious, ended up being two persons in the bucket,” said Captain Hammel.

He said first responders had to wait for power to be isolated before the rescue was made.

Captain Hammel said the fire department trains for rescues like this one each month.

“This is one we’ve trained in fairly often. It was pulled off without a hitch in my opinion,” said Captain Hammel.

“Our heroes, first responders, they always quick for anything that happened like this, we’re very proud of them,” said Hernandez.

In a statement made to 69 News, PPL Electric Utilities confirmed that the line was deenergized and that their crews are assisting emergency responders. 

Officials also confirmed that power has been restored to all customers following the incident. 

The Allentown Fire Department is leading the investigation.

Stay with 69 News for updates as more information becomes available.