Construction Worker Killed by Power Line

By Danielle Briones

Published on July 22, 2005

Police Maj. Patrick Kitchens identified the victim as 27-year-old James Cavin of Horton, who worked for Midwest Concrete and Pumping.

Officials at Midwest Concrete Placement in Basehor, a company that often does business as Midwest Concrete and Pumping, could not be reached for comment.

The accident occurred at about 7 a.m. as Cavin was operating a concrete pumping truck and was preparing to pour concret for an electrical company's new shop, Major Kitchens said.

As the victim raised the boom, he struck power lines and caused serious electrical arcing. The truck then caught fire.

Another worker attempted to rescue Cavin and put out the fire with an extinguisher, but was unsuccessful. The worker tried to pull Cavin from the truck, but suffered burns and electrical shock. He was treated at a local hospital and released.

Spokeswoman for Westar Energy Karla Olsen said power to the line was cut as soon as crews arrived.

Olsen reminded contractors, tree trimmers and the public to stay away from power lines. Overhead lines are not insulated, she said, and people should stay at least 10 feet away from them.

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