SEMINOLE, Fla. (WFLA) — A deadly electrical incident in Pinellas County claimed the life of one person and hospitalized two others, authorities said.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to “an electrical hazard call” on Park Boulevard North at around 1:54 p.m.
According to the sheriff’s office, one person died at the scene while two others were taken to a hospital in unknown conditions.
Duke Energy released this statement at around 4 p.m.:
We are saddened by the tragic incident that happened today in Pinellas County involving Duke Energy contractors. Our hearts go out to them, their family, communities and co-workers. The safety of our employees, contractors and customers is the highest priority at Duke Energy. There are approximately 14,000 customers without power in the Park Blvd. North area. We are currently working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible and are investigating the incident to learn more.
Statement by Duke Energy
Jessica Stanhope said she heard a loud explosion, directly behind her home, and then the power went out.
“We heard probably the loudest boom I’ve heard ever, and then when I went out back, I seen the pole leaning over,” Stanhope said.
She said she then saw a Florida man on the ground.
“I just thought, I hope he’s okay because I heard the big loud sound and I know that’s got to be rough,” Stanhope said.
Thomas Heath said he also heard the explosion, followed by screams.
“I saw 3-4 guys laying on the ground,” Heath said. “One black gentleman in black attire was laying unresponsive. He was gone. I saw the other 2-3 guys kinda wake up, start to come too.” “They had multiple burns. Along their legs, clothes burned. Their skin was bubbled from the burning of the electricity.
“The field was on fire. It’s a very traumatizing thing to see.”
