Man rushed to hospital after accident at Prudence Ferry dock

A man working at the Prudence Island Ferry dock on Thames Street was rushed to the hospital after reportedly being thrown from a bucket truck on the dock.

The man, a private contractor hired by ferry operator A&R Marine, was driving a bucket truck on the dock Wednesday afternoon when he fell from the truck, Fire Chief Michael DeMello confirmed. The man fell 25 to 30 feet, the chief said, and was taken to Rhode Island Hospital. His condition was not known as of press time Wednesday.

“He was conscious when I was there,” Chief DeMello said, declining to specify the severity of the man’s injuries. “He definitely had some injuries that needed treatment.”

A witness who works on the dock told the Phoenix the contractor was using the truck to lift a ticket shed into place on the dock. The strap holding the shed snapped, lifting the truck and sending the man flying.

The Bristol Police Department is reportedly investigating the accident, and Occupational and Health Safety officials were on the scene Wednesday afternoon. Check with eastbayri.com for updates as they become available.