A utility contractor was killed in an electrical accident Thursday afternoon that also sparked a fire and led to the closure of several roads in northern Macomb County, according to public safety and utility officials.

The incident occurred in the 69000 block of Powell Road, between 32 Mile and 33 Mile Road on the border of Romeo and Bruce Township. The investigation by Macomb County Sheriff’s Office and DTE Energy officials continued into the evening hours.

The sheriff’s office said the victim was a 61-year-old construction contractor who worked for DTE in the Romeo area. He was pronounced dead at the scene, a statement said.

“It is with a heavy heart that we confirm that a contractor lost an employee today while performing work for DTE,” the utility said in a statement.

DTE said the contractor “came into contact with the overhead line equipment” and was fatally injured.

“We send our love and support to his family and loved ones,” DTE said in a statement.

Authorities did not release the victim’s name. A photographer working for the Macomb Daily encountered a man who claimed to be the worker’s son when he arrived at the scene to be informed of the deadly explosion.

The Macomb County Highway Department has set up road closures that block motorists from using Powell Road in this area. It is unknown how long this closure will remain in place.

Firefighters reported that a crew of workers was laying new power lines to provide more electricity to the community when a worker’s boom came into contact with a live main line, causing an explosion.