Two contractors dead after falling from helicopter in Sulphur

Claiborne and Houston River Road in Sulphur (Source: Google maps)

SULPHUR, LA (KPLC) - Two contractors from California died after falling from a helicopter in Sulphur around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, authorities said.

The two men, both in their 20s and from California, were working on electrical lines from a helicopter in the area of N. Claiborne Street and W. Houston River Road, said Kim Myers, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office spokeswoman.

"It appears their safety harness was rubbing against the power lines, causing it to snap and causing them to fall about 100 feet from the helicopter," Myers said.

Myers said that the deaths appear to be accidental and that foul play is not suspected.

The men's next of kin have not yet been notified.