The wind turbine where a worker fell 126 feet.
Source: MGN PRATT COUNTY, Kan. (KAKE) -
PRATT COUNTY, KANSAS
Man survives 125-foot wind turbine fall
Posted: Jul 03, 2016 11:14 AM EST Updated: Jul 03, 2016 8:32 PM EST
written by Bryan Ramsdale
The Pratt County Sheriff says a worker survived a 126-foot fall at a wind farm Sunday.
A statement from Sheriff Vernon Chinn said the man was repairing a blade on a wind generator about six miles south and four miles of Pratt when he fell around 9:35 a.m. Sunday. The General Electric employee landed on his back in mud, but was conscious.
"I didn't expect to find this when we got out here, falls from that kind of height normally don't come out this well," Chinn said.
Chinn said a fellow worker was trapped for a short time, hanging from his safety harness. He eventually was able to lower himself into a construction basket.
The names of the victims and the severity of the injuries have not been released.
Area residents tell KAKE News that they are astonished anyone could survive a fall so large.
"He must have had an angel on his shoulders, that is a long way to fall," said Alex Leis
"I cannot imagine anyone falling from that height and surviving," said Steve Strecker
General Electric says they are investigating this accident.
Previous story:
Sheriff Vernon Chinn said Sunday morning two people were working on a wind turbine southeast of Pratt when one of them fell. Early reports that one worker fell 200 feet were revised to 126 feet later in the morning.
Chinn told KAKE News the worker was alive, "talking and conscious" at the scene after the fall. The worker was taken to Pratt Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Chinn added a second worker was dangling in a harness from the turbine, but was able to reach the ground safely.
The cause of the mishap remains under investigation.
