Delaware
Delaware County firefighter was electrocuted at Hancock crash scene: What we know
A Delaware County firefighter died in the line of duty July 17.
Delaware County Emergency Services said East Branch Fire Department Assistant Chief Jason McGlone was killed while responding to a car crash.
At around 9:30 p.m. July 17, the East Branch Fire Department responded to the scene of a crash.
New York State Police said July 18 a pickup truck had struck a utility pole on state Highway 30 in the town of Hancock. A preliminary investigation, troopers said, found that a low-hanging electrical wire at the scene was touching the top of the responding fire truck.
When McGlone exited the truck and made contact with the metal door and the ground, he was electrocuted. McGlone died “despite medical attention rendered on scene,” Delaware County officials said. He was 51.
New York State Police said the vehicle involved in the original crash was a pickup truck operated by Joseph Bellows, 54, of Downsville. The truck had veered off the road and struck a guardrail and utility pole. Bellows was transported to Delaware Valley Hospital for evaluation and treatment of injuries.
He was later charged with driving while intoxicated and issued appearance tickets for Hancock Town Court. Bellows is scheduled to appear on Sept. 8.
The investigation into McGlone’s death is ongoing.
(This story has been updated to add new information.)