Workers Injured At Business

A shocking incident sent three construction workers to Tulsa hospitals Friday afternoon.  The News On 6's Ashli Sims reports one victim was transported in critical condition after being zapped by a 36,000 volt power line.

The scream of the ambulance siren indicated something went terribly wrong at a construction site near 44^th and South Memorial.  Tulsa Firefighters say a construction crew was working on a new metal building behind ABSCO manufacturing.  They say a crane was lowering a steel beam into place, when it got tangled up in some nearby power lines.

"The guys had their hands on ‘em maneuvering. When it hit up against those electrical lines, it just zapped those two guys and both guys fell down to the ground," said eyewitness Jeff Skelton.

Firefighters say three men were in contact with the beam, when it was electrified by the 36,000 volt power line.  One victim was knocked unconscious and wasn't breathing.  His co-workers performed CPR.

"The 22-year-old was still in cardiac arrest at the time we arrived, but was breathing on his own by the time he left. But certainly not out of the woods," said Tulsa Fire Captain Larry Bowles.

EMSA reports that victim is in critical condition.  A 56-year-old man was taken to the hospital in serious condition.  The third victim, a 40 year old, is expected to be OK.

"Yeah, it's real shocking. But, you gotta take your risk out there and keep going. And pray everybody will be OK," said eyewitness Jeff Skelton.

Electric shocks can be serious, even deadly.  In fact, electrocution is the third leading cause of work-related deaths among young people, totaling about 12%.