Inspection Detail

Inspection: 300041712 - Lea County Electric Coop

Inspection Information - Office: State Of New Mexico Environment Department Occupational Health & Safety Bureau

Investigation Summary

A severe thunderstorm deposited about 1.5 inches of rain on an area. More than 50 bolts of lightning struck the ground, causing the main circuit for the area to open. A power line worker and an apprentice power line worker were dispatched to the area to determine the extent of damage to a downed overhead power line. About 2 hours and 20 minutes later, the utility plant received a telephone call from a resident near the downed power line, who said that two workers were down in a pasture near his home. The two employees were found lying in a field in about 5 inches of standing water. Apparently, they were either struck by lightning or electrocuted by the downed power line.

Keywords: OVERHEAD POWER LINE, ELECTRICAL, POWER LINE WORKER, ELECTROCUTED, LIGHTNING, E PTD, ELEC UTILITY WORK, WATER