Deputy: APS worker injured after touching power line in Tonopah
The Republic | azcentral.com 5:52 p.m. MST August 23, 2016
An Arizona Public Service Co. worker was flown to a hospital Tuesday afternoon after he came in contact with a power line in Tonopah, according to a Maricopa County sheriff's official.
The utility employee was working in a bucket truck in the area of 539th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road when he received an electric jolt at 1:39 p.m., according to Deputy Joaquin Enriquez, a Sheriff's Office spokesman.
"This is the worst fear for electric utility workers — to see one of our own injured on the job," said Anna Haberlein, an APS spokeswoman. "The dangers associated with working around electricity are real, and our first responders in the field are trained and committed to protecting each other and keeping the lights on for customers. Our thoughts and prayers are with our employee and his family during this difficult time."
Haberlein would not name the employee but said he has worked at APS for 10 years.
The worker was flown to Maricopa Integrated Health System in Phoenix. Enriquez said the man's condition was not available.