Farm Worker Fatally Electrocuted

A 22-year-old farm worker was killed yesterday as he picked avocados at 4189 Foothill Road in Carpinteria. Based on initial reports, it appears he was electrocuted when he stepped onto an aluminum ladder that was touching an uninsulated power line.

A spokesperson with the Carpinteria – Summerland Fire Department said the incident occurred around 1 p.m. Emergency crews were called to the scene and attempted to resuscitate the victim — who has not been publicly identified — but he died at the scene.

Krissan Chasarik with CalOSHA said the agency has launched an investigation, but could not comment much beyond that. According to her initial report, it appears the worker was on the ground when he moved his ladder against the upper branch of an avocado tree. The ladder, unbeknown to the worker, was also touching the power line when it came to rest.

The victim, said Chasarik, lived in Santa Barbara and was employed with labor contractor Andrade Farm Labor, which is based at 214 West Haley Street. Calls to the company had not been returned as of press time.