FPL contractor dies after coming in contact with live wire in SW Miami-Dade
MIAMI - A Florida Power & Light contractor died Wednesday afternoon after coming in contact with a power line.
The unidentified worker in his 30s was rushed to a hospital as a trauma alert after receiving a powerful electric shock while working on a line.
Kshidokahan Burrows, a witness, said "I saw the guy in the truck and he fell down. He was shaking and he caught on fire. He was shaking and I hoped he would be ok. I called 911 and stayed on the scene until the ambulance arrived."
Miami-Dade Police Detective Luis Sierra told CBS4's Peter D'Oench "Miami-Dade Fire Rescue treated the worker on the scene and he was taken to the hospital where he, unfortunately, passed away. We do know that electricians check the lines but we do not know how this happened."
Miami-Dade Police say the truck came in contact with live power lines.
Sierra said, "My hat goes off to these workers. This is a dangerous Jon. I know they always practice safety. Unfortunately, this was a tragic event."
It happened Wednesday morning in the area of SW 107th Avenue and 162nd Terrace.
The electrical charge sparked a fire on the worker's FPL truck, which torched the cab and left a charred and gaping hole along the hood.
Harry Brice, a neighbor, said "This makes me so sad. I see these people coming around here every day working and they do a good job. I feel very bad and I am sorry and I have sympathy for his family."
FPL released the following statement:
"We are aware of a serious incident in Miami-Dade County involving a contractor who came into contact with a power line. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the family of the individual."
Neighbors said their power was knocked out for several hours and some traffic lights were also knocked out of service nearby for a while.