Two young men hanging Christmas lights at a home on Merry Mount Drive, near Green Rea Road in south Charlotte, were hurt Wednesday, Oct. 28, when they were shocked by electricity, according to WCNC and WSOC. Both were taken to the hospital.

What happened

Based on preliminary information from the Charlotte Fire Department, one worker was moving an extension ladder when electricity arced from a nearby power line. The second worker suffered burns to his hands. Duke Energy said it was working with the authorities.

Neighbors stepped in

WSOC identified the workers as Erik Kyshka, 21, and Filipp Bernik, 20, both from Ukraine. Kyshka was in critical condition. A neighbor, Dr. Nina Connors, an OB-GYN, did chest compressions while a contractor gave rescue breaths until firefighters arrived and used a defibrillator. Charlotte Fire Battalion Chief Judge Manning credited the quick CPR with making a difference.

Kyshka's family told WSOC he has been in the U.S. for only a few months and has no health insurance. A GoFundMe for his care had raised more than $45,000 at the time of WSOC's report. WBTV also reported that one worker was critically hurt.

A reminder as lights go up

Holiday decorating season is starting early, and this is a sobering reminder. Duke Energy's holiday safety tips say to check your surroundings before hanging lights along a roofline or in trees, and to keep ladders and decorations away from overhead power lines. If you're planning a display, see our South Charlotte holiday kickoff guide for events, or browse more South Charlotte neighborhood news.

Sources: WCNC, WSOC, WSOC follow-up, WBTV, Duke Energy