The high-power transmission lines involved in Wednesday’s electric shock incident at Norfolk Iron and Metal have been re-energized.
The process began around 12:30 pm and took about two hours to finish, allowing workers to safely move a semi truck with a raised bucket that touched the lines around 10:15 am. Over 1,100 Evergy customers in Neosho Rapids, Lebo and Waverly lost power during the de-energizing and re-energizing project. Another 450 customers of 4 Rivers Electric Cooperative, including the utility headquarters at BETO Junction, also lost power.
The driver of the semi in question was taken to Newman Regional Health with unspecified injuries.
12:20 pm Wednesday: Electrocution victim taken to Newman Regional Health; affected high-power transmission line to be de-energized for safety work
An incident involving a semi truck bucket and high-power transmission lines led to the semi driver being an electric shock Wednesday morning.
The incident was reported around 10:15 am at Norfolk Iron and Metal, 1701 East South. Emporia Fire Battalion Chief Eron Steinlage says the driver was taken to Newman Regional Health. Given the circumstances, there was some extra safety work done for both the victim and for emergency responders.
Evergy needed to de-energize the lines nearby, causing a brief power outage stretching from far east Emporia east to Waverly, including residents in and near Neosho Rapids and Lebo.
Steinlage is not confirming the severity of injuries other than to say CPR was not needed.
10:20 am Wednesday: Electrocution reported in southeast Emporia
Emergency crews are in southeast Emporia for a reported electrocution.
Emporia Fire and EMS and Emporia Police responded to Norfolk Iron and Metal, 1701 South Weaver, shortly after 10:15 pm. Early indications are a truck drove into a power pole. Further details are currently pending.
Stay with KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media for updates.
