Worker killed after crane strikes power lines in Catskill

A worker was killed after a crane struck power lines in Catskill.

The incident happened at around 11:15 a.m. on Monday, investigators said. A private contractor was pulling out tree stumps on private property at 12 Greene St. off Lower Main Street. The crane inadvertently hit the power lines.

One of the workers on the ground, Branden Luciano, 36, of Germantown, came in contact with the hook of the crane and was electrocuted, Catskill Police Lt. Daniel Waer said.

The driver who was operating the crane got out of the vehicle and was not hurt, Waer said.

The tires of the crane caught on fire. Central Hudson cut the power. The Catskill Fire Department responded.

The Catskill Police Department, OSHA, and the state Department of Labor are investigating.

A GoFundMe has been set up for Luciano’s family.