4 Utility Workers Injured Working Near Women's Prison
SHAKOPEE, Minn. (WCCO) -- Four utility workers were taken to the hospital after being injured in an electrical accident while working near the women's prison in Shakopee.
The incident was reported to police at about 8:30 a.m. Monday morning.
Shakopee Public Utilities spokeswoman Renee Schmid said a crew of four was performing a cable replacement, a routine maintenance procedure. The crew was working on the electrical distribution system near the prison when the accident occurred. Two of the four were burned.
The work was being done near the women's correctional facility. Two of the workers are at St. Francis Hospital and the other two have been taken to Hennepin County Medical Center. Schmid said one of the four had already been released from the hospital and another worker was expected to be released soon.
The incident left the power out in the area, including at the prison. The communications director for the Department of Corrections said the prison was put on lockdown and a headcount had been done on the prisoners.
Backup generators are being used to power their critical functions, although that does not include air-conditioning. There is an established protocol for this type of incident, and can be used for tornadoes, floods, and power outages.
