VIDALIA — A long-time Vidalia electrical lineman was shocked and hospitalized with third-degree burns Monday after touching a live wire outside of the municipal complex.

Travis Todd was working to examine the municipal complex’s wiring diagram in a transformer near City Hall when he accidently touched a live wire, Mayor Hyram Copeland said.

“The lights dimmed all of a sudden, and we looked out and saw him out there by the transformer,” Copeland said. “He accidently touched some of the hot wiring and got shocked.”

Todd was airlifted to ‪Crossgates River Oaks Hospital in Brandon, where he was treated in the burn center.

Copeland said 35 percent of Todd’s body received third-degree burns and surgeries will be necessary for some areas that were severely burnt.

“He survived and that’s what’s most important,” Copeland said. “His vital signs look good, and he’s doing well considering the extent of the accident.

“He’s up and eating mashed potatoes.”

Copeland said Todd had been employed as a lineman with the City of Vidalia for approximately 10 years.