A Volusia County Public Works employee is in critical condition after he was “presumably electrocuted” while attempting to retrieve a fire extinguisher from an excavator that struck a power line in Edgewater.
On Wednesday, July 8, at around 11:30 a.m., Edgewater Police Department officers and local firefighters responded to the Majestic Oaks neighborhood in reference to a serious accident involving heavy equipment, a power line, and a fire at a public right-of-way canal system, according to EPD.
Employees with the county’s Road and Bridge Division were reportedly performing routine maintenance in the canal area when a Gradall Wheeled Excavator operated by employee William Barrie accidentally made contact with an energized power line.
Due to the collision, the machinery became energized and caught on fire. While Barrie was able to safely exit the equipment, his co-worker – identified as James Cozier – reportedly attempted to retrieve a fire extinguisher from the excavator.
In a media release, EPD stated that Cozier was unaware that the machinery was still energized by the power line. When he made contact with the equipment, Cozier was “presumably electrocuted and suffered serious injury,” according to police.
Due to the severity of his injuries, Cozier was airlifted to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach for “lifesaving treatment.” As of Wednesday, he remains in critical condition.
The initial investigation suggests the incident was a “tragic accident.” Edgewater Police Chief Charles Geiger called the event “heartbreaking” and stated that authorities are “hoping and praying for Mr. Cozier’s recovery.”
The investigation remains ongoing, according to EPD.