Man Shocked, Badly Burned Climbing Utility Pole in Willimantic

A 21-year-old man is in serious condition with burns on the entire right side of his body after he was shocked and thrown to the ground while climbing a utility pole in Willimantic on Thursday evening.

Police said Mikail Jesus Arroyo, of Willimantic, touched an electrical wire while scaling a phone pole around 8:15 p.m. near the intersection of Jackson and Bolivia streets.

He was shocked and thrown to the ground from about 25-30 feet up in the air, according to police. First responders found him unconscious but breathing and said the right side of his body was badly burned.

Arroyo was rushed to Windham County Memorial Hospital and subsequently airlifted to Rhode Island Hospital, which is both a burn unit and Level 1 trauma center. Police said Arroyo is alive but in grave condition.

Willimantic police are investigating and ask anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident to call the department at 860-465-3135.

Check back for updates on this developing story.

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