Maine utility stops contractor's work after death

Central Maine Power Co. has ordered one of its contractors to stop work pending an investigation into the death of an employee who fell from a utility pole.

John Plante of Oakland was working for Hawkeye LLC of Hauppauge when he fell 40 to 50 feet from the wooden utility pole in Saco on Monday. He died en route to the hospital.

His safety harness is being held by police for the investigation. Police have said the death appears to be accidental.

A lawyer for Hawkeye tells the Morning Sentinel that the 44-year-old Plante climbed the pole to install something, and was descending when he fell. Plante had worked for the company since July.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the state medical examiner are investigating.