Georgia Lineman Killed, Another Injured in Workplace Accident

A city in Georgia is mourning the loss of a lineman following a workplace injury.

Lineman Eric Weems was killed and Trent Granger was injured while working on a project in Griffin, Ga., in the early hours of Wednesday, Nov. 13, according to a report. Facebook Sent by city officials.

“Eric suffered a catastrophic injury while working on a project on Spalding Street this morning,” authorities wrote, adding that Granger “is currently in critical but stable condition.”

The City of Griffin continued to ask the community to keep the loved ones of the two victims in their prayers and said they would provide updates on Granger accordingly.

“We suffer together,” the statement said.

PEOPLE reached out to the City of Griffin and the local police department for more information but did not immediately hear back.

Municipal officials told Fox 5 Atlanta He said two officers were working on a power project that involved equipment malfunction at the time of the incident. The source reported that Weems died at the scene due to his injuries, while Granger was taken to the hospital.

Fox 5 Atlanta also reports that the side streets where the incident occurred were closed to traffic throughout the afternoon. The community was told that power outages “will continue until further notice.”

Local fire and police departments and Wellstar EMS assisted at the scene, according to the report.

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Reflecting on the city’s loss on Thursday, Nov. 14, officials were quick to praise Weems’ work as a public employee to mail on social media.

They wrote: “There are those who risk their lives for a community every day. They lace up their boots and set out on a thankless job. They do it because there is something inherent in being a public servant. You don’t have to. Dig that deep to find the heart and soul of a public servant. “The bottom line on the workday is providing a safe community for others to live, work and play.”

“Eric, we are grateful for your risk in making Griffin a beautiful community to live, work and play,” the post said, ending with a message that invited the public to “pay tribute to his life and service to the community” at a local center. “As the Griffin community, we mourn together.”

Several people are sharing their fond memories of Eric in the comments section of two posts. “Eric was one of the nicest people I have ever met. He was always in a positive mood. Keep running on the other side bro,” one community member wrote.

Another said: “Praying for my city and both families right now. My sincerest condolences to Eric’s family during this difficult time. I also wish Trent a speedy recovery.”

Governor Brian Kemp also commented on the tragedy, writing: social media“As our state and local communities rebuild after devastating storms, we are able to move forward on the road to recovery because of the dangerous work our seafarers do.”

It continued: “Marty, the girls, and I are deeply saddened by this tragic news and ask all Georgians to keep the Griffin staff, their families, and their loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

According to Weems FacebookHe was from Griffin and graduated from Griffin High School in 1993.