A Hydro One worker died and three others were injured in a work site accident north of Haliburton on Thursday morning.
Around 10:30 a.m., emergency crews were called to a remote area of Coleman Lake and Kennisis roads for reports that a hydro worker was injured after being struck in the head by a tree he was cutting down. Co-workers on scene helped remove the tree off of the worker.
The area is about 25 kilometres north of Haliburton in the Municipality of Dysart et al. (approximately 40 kilometres north of Minden).
An Ornge air ambulance was initially called from the Ottawa area but was cancelled. Instead, emergency responders utilized snowmobiles to access the scene.
A 25-year-old man from Sydenham, Ont., was transported out of the work site and then taken via ambulance to Haliburton Highlands Health Services hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to Haliburton Highlands OPP.
Global News has confirmed with Society of United Professionals, a union that represents Hydro One workers, that the deceased is Cole Timlin from Sydenham, who was a forestry apprentice with Hydro One.
In a statement to Global Peterborough, Hydro One confirmed the employee’s death and added that three other workers were also treated in hospital and have since been released.
“We are deeply saddened by this loss and, above all else, our thoughts and condolences are with the employee’s family, friends and colleagues,” the statement reads.
“During this grieving process, we will do everything we can to assist family and teammates by providing counselling and support.”
The Ministry of Labour and OPP are investigating.
“The safety of our employees is paramount and Hydro One will fully support the Ministry of Labour in its investigation into the incident,” the company stated.
“We would like to thank the first responders and our employees onsite for their brave efforts.”
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