Unusual Incident Report at Turners Falls Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights -

A cyclist crashed into a gate while riding his bicycle along Migratory Way at the Turners Falls Hydroelectric Project on July 6, 2025, after a contractor had left the gate partially open. The incident was first reported to FirstLight Power Services LLC by a Gill, Massachusetts resident on July 10, 2025, who had received a call from her husband. The cyclist was transported to a local hospital and treated for minor injuries. An investigation by FirstLight found that the gate was being held open by a small stick, which was subsequently secured to the adjacent guardrail with rope.

Key Takeaways:

  • An unusual incident occurred at the Turners Falls Hydroelectric Project on July 6, 2025, when a cyclist crashed into a gate while riding his bicycle along Migratory Way.
  • The incident was caused by a contractor leaving the gate partially open, which was identified as a result of an investigation by FirstLight Power Services LLC.
  • The gate was secured to the adjacent guardrail with rope for the duration of the project to prevent similar incidents.
  • The cyclist was transported to a local hospital and treated for minor injuries after the incident.
  • FirstLight was only made aware of the incident when a Gill, Massachusetts resident contacted them on July 10, 2025, to report the incident.
  • The incident was documented and reported to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as required under 18 CFR 12.10(b).

Statistics:

  • 1 cyclist was injured in the incident.
  • 1 gate was involved in the incident.
  • 1 contractor was responsible for leaving the gate partially open.
  • The incident occurred on July 6, 2025, at approximately 1230.
  • The incident was first reported to FirstLight on July 10, 2025, at 0945.
  • The cyclist was reportedly riding his bicycle at a speed of unknown magnitude before crashing into the gate.

Sources:

  • FirstLight MA Hydro LLC, Unusual Incident Report, submitted to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, July 10, 2025.
  • Attachment 1 - Incident Locus Map, July 2025.
  • Attachment 2 - Photos of Gate, July 10, 2025.