Worker installing flagpole electrocuted at Mount Olive seed company

The incident occurred at Cashwell & Jones, on N.C. Highway 55 in Mount Olive, at about 3 p.m.

The workers had dug a hole for the pole and were erecting the pole when it came into contact with an overhead power line, authorities said.

Farmer Dewey Powell said he heard the loud crack when the pole hit the power line from about a mile away.

"I kind of knew something was out of the ordinary," Powell said, adding that he quickly jumped in his truck and drove to Cashwell & Jones to see what happened.

"I see these folks every day, and it kind of hits home," he said. "I was just here at this facility Monday myself and spoke with those folks. It’s heartbreaking. I want everyone to think about those involved [and] the families and try to say a prayer."

The identity of the worker killed hasn't been released.

The two workers who were injured were taken to the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill for treatment.

One of those workers has been identified as Barney Kirby. His family said he was in critical condition late Wednesday, but he had been upgraded to good condition by Thursday afternoon.

"We appreciate the prayers for all three families and ask that everyone continue with those prayers," his wife, Hailey Kirby, said in a statement.

The other worker's name and condition weren't available on Thursday.

The state Department of Labor is investigating the incident. A report isn't expected for several months.

Cashwell & Jones is working with local and state investigators, the company said in a statement.

"Cashwell & Jones expresses its condolences to the family of our deceased employee, and our thoughts and prayers are with our injured employees," the statement concluded.