Friend of 3 Duke Energy contractors 'heartbroken' after deadly electrical incident in Pinellas Co.
Share this @internewscast.com

SEMINOLE, Fla. (WFLA) — On Tuesday, a tragic electrical accident resulted in two men being critically injured and one losing his life at a power facility in Pinellas County.

“It’s hard… when people you love… you spent so much time with… go through that. It was pretty gut-wrenching,” said Jesse Getford, who previously collaborated with the three men in Clearwater and is spearheading fundraising efforts for their families.

The three linemen, contractors with Duke Energy, were engaged in installing a new power pole, as reported by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. At approximately 1:30 p.m., a “boom operator” on site inadvertently hit a pole and power line, which led to an explosion.

Matt Waldrop from North Florida and Jeff Busch from Polk County sustained life-threatening electrical burns and were hospitalized. Justin Bryan from Hernando County tragically lost his life.

“I’m just heartbroken,” Getford said.

Investigators from the sheriff’s office spent much of Tuesday probing the fatal incident. Duke Energy informed 8 On Your Side that about 14,000 individuals experienced power outages, but electricity was restored by Tuesday night.

“They were all fathers. All of them are sole providers for their families,” Getford said.

Waldrop and Busch are currently stable, according to Getford. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office presently considers the electric shock incident accidental, while OSHA is also conducting its own investigation.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Downtown Savannah Welcomes Its Second Goodwill Boutique

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — A well-known entity is introducing a fresh concept…

Father of NBA Player Detained for Stabbing in Las Vegas Parking Dispute

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The father of a professional NBA player is…

Organizations Call for Closure of Fort Bliss Detention Center and End to Immigration Raids

In EL PASO, Texas, groups advocating for immigrants’ rights are urging the…

Democrats concerned as new data reveals voters shifting to GOP

(The Hill) Democrats are sounding the alarm on new data showing they…

Is Bielema considering arranging an international game for Illinois?

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – College football has began the tradition of kicking…

New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ adviser hands reporter a bag of chips containing money

An adviser has been temporarily removed from New York City Mayor Eric…

Famine Hits Gaza City Amid Israel’s Threat to Escalate Conflict

Famine was officially announced on Friday in northern Gaza, encompassing Gaza City,…

Charges Laid for ‘Intentional Killing’ of 94-Year-Old Man in California

(KRON) — A few days after the discovery of a 94-year-old Santa…

California Parole Board Rejects Erik Menendez’s Release Request Citing Poor Conduct in Prison

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Erik Menendez was denied parole Thursday after serving…

Suspect Sought by RCSO in Connection to Break-In

RICHMOND COUNTY, Ga. () – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is looking…

“Passion for Policing: Urbana Sergeant Shares Insights and Tackles Staffing Challenges While Focusing on Community”

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Numerous police officers throughout Central Illinois are familiar…

Erik Menendez’s Parole Request Rejected

A California state panel decided on Thursday not to grant parole to…