Man critically injured in Arlington power line accident

ARLINGTON — A line worker from Ohio sustained critical injuries Thursday afternoon after coming into contact with a live power line in Arlington.

Jonathan Abner, 44, of New Richmond, Ohio, was working on Vermont Route 7A near Dunham Road when the accident occurred around 4:40 p.m.

He was immediately airlifted to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, where he is listed in critical but stable condition as of Saturday.

Abner, an employee of Northline Utilities, was performing contract work for Green Mountain Power when he suffered severe burns from the energized power line.

Vermont State Police are investigating the incident, which at this stage does not appear suspicious.

Vermont’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (VOSHA) has been notified about the accident.

Authorities are seeking information from the public and urge anyone with knowledge of the incident to contact the Shaftsbury Barracks at 802-442-5421.