Operator killed when crane hits power line in Florida

Police arrived to find Kester Gittens on the ground and the cab on fire.
Aug. 24, 2023

A crane operator died when the boom of an all terrain crane touched electric power lines in Palm Bay, Florida, setting the cab on fire. Video of the scene shows the telescoping boom lying across power lines near a residential building under construction.

According to local news reports, Kester Gittens, 34, was killed. The crane was lifting roof trusses when it touched the lines. 

According to the reports, fire department responders arrived to find Gittens on the ground and the cab on fire. 

Watch the WESH News report.

About the Author

Rod Sutton

Sutton served as the editorial lead of Construction Equipment from 2001 through 2025. 

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