Corriverton man electrocuted while erecting telephone pole

A 27-year-old man from Dukestown, Corriverton, Berbice died on Saturday after he was electrocuted while working with several others to erect a pole at No.52 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

Dead is Michael Anthony Benjamin; he was a foreman with the utility company.

Police said that the incident took place at about 12:20 hrs; the News Room understands that Benjamin was working with Oddel Kyte and four others to erect the wooden structure.

It is alleged that Benjamin was operating a four-tonne truck with a hydraulic lift that was carrying the pole. According to the Police report, Kyte was holding the pole when it came into contact with an electrical line.

Kyte told the Police that he felt a vibration throughout his body and he immediately let go of the post. However, as he went to check on Benjamin, he found him lying motionless on the ground.

Kyte took Benjamin to the Skeldon Public Hospital with public transportation where he was pronounced dead.

In light of the incident, the Guyana Power and Light in a statement dispelled reports that the victim is one of their employees.

“Contrary to a social media post, the young man was not employed nor contracted by GPL.

“Our preliminary investigation revealed the young man was employed by another utility company that was carrying out work in the Berbice area when their bucket truck came into contact with our network,” GPL noted.