Death by electrocution ruled as preliminary cause in Bristol

Two men are found unresponsive on a Bristol, Virginia sidewalk after 7:30 Thursday morning. The cause–possible electrocution.

The preliminary details released by city police said the men had been conducting roof work this week at a house on Johnson Street and were in the process of moving a ladder.

Investigators said that the ladder came too close to or landed directly on active power lines, resulting in an electrical arc. The two workers were pronounced dead from their injuries after receiving treatment at an area hospital.

The bodies have been transported to ETSU for autopsies. Police continue to investigate the incident. The names of the victims have not been released.