Volusia County Employee Electrocuted in Edgewater Powerline Accident

An employee with the Volusia County Public Works Department was injured on Wednesday after being electrocuted on the job in Edgewater. James Cozier was said to be in critical condition as of Thursday morning. The incident occurred later Wednesday morning. The Volusia County Public Works Department Road and Bridge Division were on assignment in the Majestic Oaks neighborhood. According to the Edgewater Police Department, they were “performing routine maintenance in the canal area”. As the workers were completing the job, a Gradall Wheeled Excavator made contact with a live powerline. The driver, William Barrie, was said to have gotten out safely as the excavator caught fire. It evidently carried an electric current after hitting the powerline. The Edgewater Police Department says they believe Cozier attempted to retrieve a fire extinguisher from the excavator, seemingly not realizing it was still energized. Upon touching it, Cozier reportedly received considerable electric shock and was seriously injured. Edgewater Fire Rescue and the Edgewater Police Department both responded, along with the Volusia Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit. The Aviation Unit flew Cozier to Halifax Medical Center for what was called “lifesaving treatment”. Police are considering the incident to be an accident, but an investigation is ongoing. “Our thoughts are with Mr. Cozier, his family, his co-workers, and the entire Volusia County Public Works Team,” said Edgewater Police Chief Charles Geiger. “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.”