ST. GEORGE — A Garkane Energy Cooperative employee was electrocuted on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. near Alton.
Garkane Energy Cooperative spokesman Neal Brown said in a text message to St. George News that the employee was working on energized power line equipment at Tod’s Substation near Tod’s Junction in Kane County.
Brown stated the employee was conscious and speaking to responders. The employee suffered burn injuries that required him to be flown by helicopter to the University Medical Center Lions Burn Care Center in Las Vegas.
Garkane Energy Cooperative CEO Dan McClendon confirmed to St. George News that employee Tony Baird accidentally touched a live 7,200-volt power line in Tod’s Substation.
“Although a review continues, it appears that the flow of electricity moved predominantly through Tony’s arm and shoulder, which produced severe burns,” McClendon said in an email.
McClendon added that the latest report from the burn center indicated Baird is stable but in a lot of pain.
“On behalf of the entire Garkane family, we continue to pray for Tony’s comfort and for his recovery as well as for his family,” McClendon said. “Living in rural areas like this, the entire community is affected by difficult things like this and we appreciate everyone’s support.”
According to a news release from Garkane Energy Cooperative, “Local authorities and federal authorities have been contacted and are doing their due diligence for safety purposes.”
A gofundme has been set up for Baird, which can be found at this link.
Kane County Sheriff Lt. Alan Alldredge told St. George News that the Kane County Sheriff’s Department and the Cedar Mountain Fire Department responded to the incident.
Garkane Energy Cooperative has offices in Hatch, Loa and Kanab. According to the company website:
Garkane Energy Cooperative, Inc. serves all or parts of six counties in South-Central Utah and two counties in North-Central Arizona, a rural area, with considerable tourism. The Cooperative serves four national parks, two national monuments, a national recreation area, three national forests, and considerable BLM lands. We serve over 15,000 members across 16,000 square miles of service territory. We are owned by the members we serve.
Ed. note: When making charitable contributions it is advisable to consult with professionals for tax advice and investment risks.
Updated May 24, 9:40 a.m., Link for the gofundme was added.
Updated May 22, 3:10 p.m., Adds quotes from CEO and name and condition of employee.
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