A
plumber excavating a trench in West Philadelphia was electrocuted yesterday
after striking a 13,000-volt underground power line, causing a short circuit
that shut off service to 1,300 customers for several hours, said Michael
Wood, a spokesman for Peco Energy Co.
Wood said the contractor had failed to notify utility
companies before digging in the 800 block of North Brooklyn Street, near
Lancaster Avenue. About 3:25 p.m., the plumber's equipment came into
contact with the high-power line, killing the plumber instantly and shutting
down power to a large area. His name was not released.
Electrical service was restored after two hours, but it
took two more hours more to make sure the excavation was safe to enter to
remove the body, Wood said.
Under state law, anyone planning to excavate is
required to call Pennsylvania One Call System at 1-800-242-1776 three days
in advance so that utilities can mark the location of underground lines.
"It is essential for the safety of workers and the public to call before you
dig," said Wood. - Andrew Maykuth
