SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Tragedy struck on the job when a South Florida man was electrocuted.
According to Miami-Dade Police, this all happened Wednesday at around 10 a.m., along Southwest 162nd Terrace and 107th Avenue.
“We do know electricians are routinely inspecting and checking lines. The circumstances of how this happened, we do not know,” said MDPD detective Luis Sierra.
The victim, who was in his 30s, was a subcontractor for Florida Power and Light, and was working on power lines that came into contact with his truck, setting it on fire.
Rescue crews responded and treated the victim on the scene.
“I see the guy on top of the machine doing his job. He fell down. He caught on fire. He started shaking, and he caught on fire again,” said Kshido Kahanburrows, who called 911. “Then they pulled him away with the gloves and all that and told everybody to stand back and they kept doing CPR until the police arrived.”
“I was hoping that he was OK, praying that he was OK,” said Kahanburrows. “I called 911, and I stayed on the phone until the ambulance arrived.”
He was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he later died.
“I feel very bad, sad. I send my sympathy to his family,” said Harry Brice, a witness.
“These line workers, my hat’s goes off to them,” said Sierra. “It is a very dangerous job. I know they always practice safety. Unfortunately, today is just a tragic event.”
In a statement released by FPL, a spokesperson said: “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. Please contact the Miami-Dade Police Department for more information regarding the incident.”
The incident remains under investigation.
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