Fatal Equipment Failure Strikes Griffin Power Line Crew During Storm Recovery
A workplace accident involving equipment failure killed veteran lineman Eric Weems and critically injured his colleague Trent Granger on Spalding Street in Griffin, Georgia, on November 13, 2024. Weems, a U.S. Navy veteran who marked 19 years of service as a lineman in October, had just completed power restoration work in Quitman following Hurricane Helene. The City of Griffin reported Granger sustained critical injuries. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp emphasized the hazards linemen face during storm recovery operations. The incident disrupted power restoration efforts across Griffin, part of the Atlanta metro area.
5 Key Points
- Equipment failure on Spalding Street in Griffin killed Eric Weems and critically injured Trent Granger on November 13.
- Weems, a U.S. Navy veteran, worked as a lineman for 19 years.
- The accident occurred days after Weems helped restore power to Quitman following Hurricane Helene.
- Granger’s condition is critical but stable, according to city officials.
- Governor Brian Kemp asked Georgians to pray for both linemen’s families.
Weems’ 19-Year Career as Lineman
Weems marked his 19th year as a lineman in October 2024. In a 2020 video for Georgia Cities Week, Weems spoke about restoring power to homes during winter outages. “You couldn’t buy that feeling. That’s a big part of why I do what I do,” Weems said. The U.S. Navy veteran added, “The gratification you get from getting those people’s lights on is overwhelming.”
Hurricane Helene Recovery Work
On October 3, Weems joined a mutual aid crew in Quitman, Georgia, to restore power following Hurricane Helene. Governor Kemp addressed the risks in his statement: “As our state and local communities rebuild from devastating storms, it is because of the dangerous work done by our linemen that we are able to be on the road to recovery.”
Official Statements on Accident
The City of Griffin announced on Facebook: “It is with a very heavy heart that we inform our community of the tragic passing of our beloved lineman, Eric Weems.” Governor Kemp and his wife Marty asked “all Georgians to keep the Griffin linemen, their families, and their loved ones in your thoughts and prayers in these difficult times.”
FAQ
Q: Do you qualify for compensation after a work related accident?
A: To see if you qualify, click here.
Q: What caused the accident on Spalding Street?
A: The City of Griffin reported it was an equipment failure, but specific details about the type of equipment involved have not been released.
Q: What is Trent Granger’s current condition?
A: City officials report Granger is in critical but stable condition.
Q: Where in Griffin did the accident occur?
A: The incident took place on Spalding Street in Griffin, Georgia, which is located in the Atlanta metro area, south of Atlanta.
Q: How long had Eric Weems served as a lineman?
A: Weems celebrated his 19th year as a lineman in October 2024. He was also a U.S. Navy veteran.
Q: What was Weems’ most recent project before the accident?
A: On October 3, Weems worked with a mutual aid crew in Quitman, Georgia, helping restore power to areas affected by Hurricane Helene.
Q: How has the local government responded to the incident?
A: The City of Griffin announced Weems’ death through their Facebook page and is providing updates on Granger’s condition. Governor Brian Kemp and his wife, Marty, expressed condolences and requested prayers for both families.
Citations
Elizabeth Pritchett (November 14, 2024). Georgia lineman killed, another injured after workplace accident: ‘Tragic passing’. Fox News. https://www.foxnews.com/us/georgia-lineman-killed-another-injured-after-workplace-accident-tragic-passing
