Police ID Industrial Accident Victims January 15, 2008

Published: January 15, 2008

SEBRING — Police released the names Tuesday of a Jahna Concrete employee who died Monday afternoon and a coworker who was shocked trying to save him when their cement pumping boom struck some power lines.

Cement truck driver Earl McDonald, 62, of Sebring, had been with the company for seven years. He was standing outside his truck when the boom from the cement pumping vehicle struck a power line. Coworker Harry Smith, 40, of Sebring, tried to pull McDonald away, Carr said, and was shocked. He was transported to Florida Hospital for treatment.

Kathy Albritton, director of marketing, said Smith was in good condition and scheduled for release. The incident happened behind the Fairmount Cinema Square shopping center at the construction site of the new Social Security office. It has been classified as an industrial accident, according to Sebring Police Cmdr. Steve Carr. Calls for help came in at about 3:06 p.m., Carr said.

The boom operator, Mark Berberette, 28, of Mulberry, initially was having trouble breathing, Carr said, but refused transportation to the hospital.

Sebring Police Sgt. Andrew Markham said Monday evening that the boom struck three main wires. "It was so hot it was absorbing oxygen out of the air. Rescue workers were having trouble breathing. We had to wait for Progress. It was a hot scene."

About 500 nearby residents were without power for about two hours Monday afternoon. Electricity has been restored to all affected, a Progress Energy spokeswoman said.

Highland Today reporters Mandy Sheets and Dan Fearson contributed to this report.