Contractor Dies While Clearing Debris In Webster County

Media Advisory from The Kentucky Transportation Department An employee of an debris removal contractor died Friday evening after a bucket truck he was operating came into contact with a power line in Webster County. The incident happened on Church Street in the City of Providence. The Providence Fire Department responded and the victim was transported to the Regional Medical Center in Madisonville where he died. The victim was an employee of Ware Trucking. According to Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Spokesman Keith Todd, this is believed to be at least the 6th fatality since the official ice storm emergency ended. "This is a reminder of the dangers that our employees and contractors face along our roadways everyday in an effort to maintain a safe transportation system for the rest of us. We obviously offer our sympathy to the family on the tragic loss of a beloved family member," Todd said. "With the number of crews out there working weve been concerned about the potential for life-threatening incidents such as this." Hopkins County Coroner Dennis Mayfield has requested an autopsy. He plans to turn the findings over to the Providence Police Department. Statewide 37 deaths were attributed to the ice storm that brought down power lines, trees and limbs the last week of January. This is believed to be at least the 6th fatality that has resulted from clean up efforts. Todd reminded motorists to be alert for debris removal work zones that continue to be common along highways across the region. Keith Todd