Elwood Fire Rescue: 2 PHILADELPHIA FIREFIGHTERS HURT AFTER LADDER HITS POWER LINE

NORTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) --

Two firefighters were injured in North Philadelphia on Monday morning after a ladder came in contact with a power line.

The incident happened at a fire scene in the 2400 block of West Norris Street.

The fire started around 9:30 a.m. and was declared under control about seven minutes later.

At around 10 a.m., the firefighters started breaking down the scene and removing the aluminum ladder.

That's when it hit the 7,600 volt power line.

Rodney Whetstone saw what happened to one firefighter, saying "His body just stiffed and he just fell back like that. It was an unbelievable sight."

"He just passed right out."

Other firefighters immediately started administering first aid before medics arrived and rushed the two firefighters to Temple University Hospital.

They are listed in stable condition and both were said to be alert and talking.

Fire department officials say members are given extensive training on how to operate around power lines.

Captain William Dixon said firefighters are always taught to "look up, to be aware of overhead obstructions, especially wires."

Although witnesses saw just one firefighter near the ladder, officials say others would have been nearby helping out.

Dixon said the 35-foot ladder would have needed two or three firefighters to lower it.

2 PHILADELPHIA FIREFIGHTERS HURT AFTER LADDER HITS POWER LINE

Monday, March 16 2015 @ 12:43 pm EDT