Cops: Runway worker at MacArthur Airport dies after electrocution
A worker at Long Island MacArthur Airport died after a "workplace injury" Wednesday, Town of Islip officials said in a statement. Credit: Newsday / Steve Pfost
A Bohemia man was electrocuted Wednesday afternoon while working on runway lights at Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma and later died, Suffolk police said. A co-worker who tried to help suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Michael Jakob, 51, was transported by Sayville Community Ambulance to Stony Brook University Hospital and pronounced dead after being electrocuted shortly before 3 p.m., according to Suffolk Homicide Unit detectives.
A second airport employee, Gino Fiermonte, 49, of Ronkonkoma, was also shocked while attempting to aid Jakob, police said. Fiermonte was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment.
An airport runway was temporarily shutdown after the workers were injured, officials said
"There was a workplace injury at approximately 2:50 p.m. today," Islip Town officials said in a statement. "The victim was taken to an area hospital where they succumbed to their injuries."
In a second statement late Wednesday, the town said: "Long Island MacArthur Airport, Islip Town officials and staff are deeply saddened by this tragic accident. Their thoughts are with the families affected. Grief counselors will be available at the airport tomorrow."
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was notified of the fatality, police said.
Homicide detectives are asking anyone with information about the electrocution to call the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392.
Clarification: Michael Jakob of Bohemia was electrocuted Wednesday and later died. This information was incorrect in a previous version of this story due to incorrect information provided by police.
Robert Brodsky is a breaking news reporter who has worked at Newsday since 2011. He is a Queens College and American University alum.
