2 workers electrocuted by power lines on Camp Spring church roof

Two people are dead after coming into contact with a power line while working on a roof in Camp Springs, Maryland, on Tuesday morning.

The tragedy happened at First Baptist Church of Camp Springs on Allentown Road, near Joint Base Andrews, just before 10 a.m., the Prince George's County Fire Department said.

The two people were contractors for Arocon Roofing and Construction, another employee of the company confirmed to News4. Arocon did not provide any further statement.

The two workers were on a metal ladder leading to the church's roof to repair and replace some shingles when that ladder made contact with the power line, Prince George's County Police told News4.

The power line sparked at some point, causing a fire. Witnesses told News4 that they saw the fire and rushed to get out of their car to try to help — but by the time they arrived, the two workers were already on the ground, along with the power lines.

Witnesses told News4 that the bodies of the workers were on fire when they arrived, and they described a traumatizing scene where they were unable to step in to help.

The two men have not yet been publicly identified, but one man was in his 20s, and the other was in his thirties.

The older brother of one of the men spoke with News4, but did not want to be identified by name.

"I’m heartbroken… because this morning I never imagined that this would happen," he said in Spanish. "We should all love our family… because sometimes when we have them, we don’t value them. But when they’re gone, we wish they were here with us."

He added that he was distressed that something so awful happened to his brother, who he described as "a very special person."

"Before anything happens to any of my brothers, I wish it happened to me," he said.

The two men were electrocuted by 7,000 to 7,500 volts of electricity, the Prince George's County Police Department told News4.

The witnesses said it took close to 45 minutes before the power company could get to the scene to turn off the power, allowing first responders to step in.

Police said the medical examiner will determine whether the cause of death was the electrocution or the fire.

Residents of the neighborhood said the power in their neighborhood went out.

Pepco, the energy company for the area, released a statement on Tuesday afternoon.

"We are aware of an incident that occurred this morning in Temple Hills, Maryland involving two workers from a roofing company," Pepco's statement reads. "Our thoughts are with the individuals impacted by this event. The safety of our customers, employees and contractors is always our top priority. We are working closely with local authorities as the investigation continues."

This is a developing story. Stay with News4 for details.