Three electrical workers are recovering tonight after suffering burns on the job in Oahu.
HONOLULU (KITV4) – Three workers with Hawaiian Electric (HECO) suffered electrical burn injuries following an incident in the area of Pensacola Street and Kamaile Street, Tuesday morning.
According to a HECO spokesperson, the men were working on an underground power line when an “arc flash” occurred, injuring the workers.
An arc flash is a phenomenon where a flashover of electric current leaves its intended path and travels through the air from one conductor to another, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
“(An arc flash), is similar to like, lightning, as far as the intensity of what happens,” licensed electrician Steve Ricci explained.
“It will create a super heated situation that atomizes the copper, or the conductor, whatever the material is made out of, and that actually is an explosion.”
Honolulu Emergency Medical Services (EMS) reported that the men suffered second and third-degree burns in the incident. HECO tells KITV4 two of the men were taken from the scene to Straub Medical Center to be treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The third victim, according to HECO, was treated at the scene and did not need to be taken to the hospital.
The cause of the arc flash has not yet been determined.
The victims have not been identified by name, but EMS did say the victims were all men – ages 34, 36, and 56.
Honolulu Police officers shut down (HPD) Kamaile Street, between Pensacola Street and Piikoi Street, as the incident was investigated.
HECO sent KITV-4 the following statement:
“Hawaiian Electric is investigating the cause of an arc flash that injured three of our workers on a job site today. Fortunately, none of the employees suffered life-threatening injuries and we wish them a speedy and complete recovery. We spend a considerable amount time and effort at Hawaiian Electric to ensure the safety of our workers and the community and we will look closely at what caused this incident to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”
According to HECO, all three of the injured employees have been released from the hospital.
Video of an arc flash in our newscasts were provided courtesy of Electrical Power & Safety Company.
Do you have a story idea? Email news tips to [email protected]
Digital Content Manager
Matthew has been the digital content manager for KITV4 since September 2021. Matthew is a prolific writer, editor, and self-described “newsie” who’s worked in television markets in Oklahoma, California, and Hawaii.
{{description}}
Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Reporter
‘A’ali’i is a reporter with KITV. He was born and raised on the island of Maui and graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
{{description}}
Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Sorry, an error occurred.
Check your email for details.
Invalid password or account does not exist
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account.
Secure & Encrypted
Secure transaction. Cancel anytime.
Thank you. Your purchase was successful.
A receipt was sent to your email.
