A utility worker sustained minor injuries after an 18-wheeler collided with his bucket truck while he was repairing a traffic light on Wednesday afternoon, according to law enforcement and video evidence.
Dashcam footage captured the moment the semi-truck turned onto Range Avenue from I‑12, striking the elevated arm of the bucket truck and sending the worker dangling upside down while secured to the bucket by a mandatory safety harness.
East Baton Rouge Parish Department of Transportation Director Fred Raiford highlighted the importance of the tether:
“That is a mandate we have: when you’re in that bucket truck, you’ll have that harness on,” he told.
According to the Denham Springs Police Department, the worker suffered only minor scrapes and bruises and did not require hospitalization. Other motorists were unharmed.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, which manages the affected traffic light, and local police have opened an investigation into the incident.
The 18-wheeler driver remained at the scene and reportedly told authorities he didn’t realize how low the bucket truck’s arm was as he made his turn.
