EDGEWATER, Fla. A Volusia County Public Works employee remains in critical condition after being electrocuted Wednesday morning while responding to a fire involving heavy equipment that had come into contact with an energized power line, according to the Edgewater Police Department.
Emergency crews responded at approximately 11:30 a.m. on July 8 to the Majestic Oaks neighborhood for a serious accident involving heavy equipment, a power line and a fire in a public right-of-way canal system.
Police said employees with the Volusia County Public Works Department Road and Bridge Division were performing routine maintenance in the canal when a Gradall wheeled excavator operated by William Barrie accidentally contacted an energized power line.
The contact caused the excavator to become energized and catch fire. Barrie was able to safely exit the equipment without injury.
According to the preliminary investigation, Barrie’s co-worker, James Cozier, attempted to retrieve a fire extinguisher from the burning excavator, apparently unaware that the machine was still energized by the power line. Investigators believe Cozier was electrocuted when he touched the equipment.
Because of the severity of his injuries, Cozier was airlifted by the Volusia Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit to Halifax Medical Center for emergency treatment. Authorities said he remained in critical condition as of Wednesday.
Investigators believe the incident was a tragic accident.
The Edgewater Police Department, Edgewater Fire-Rescue, the Volusia Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit and other responding agencies secured the scene, provided emergency medical care and assisted with the response.
“Our thoughts are with Mr. Cozier, his family, his co-workers, and the entire Volusia County Public Works team,” Edgewater Police Chief Charles Geiger said. “This appears to be a heartbreaking accident involving people who were simply doing their job and serving the public. We are hoping and praying for Mr. Cozier’s recovery.”
The investigation remains ongoing.