News
Press Releases - Kissimmee Utility Authority
Transformer Explosion Kills One, Injures Two at KUA Substation
8/7/2011KISSIMMEE, Fla., August 7, 2011 – A high-voltage electrical transformer exploded Sunday morning at a Kissimmee Utility Authority substation, leaving one contractor dead and two utility employees with second and third-degree burns.
The three were performing maintenance on a 230,000/69,000-volt transformer at the utility’s Clay Street Substation (map: http://bit.ly/nObNAn) at 9:14 am when the unit exploded, resulting in a large fire that destroyed the transformer and four vehicles parked nearby. No power outages were reported as a result of the accident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families right now,” said Jim Welsh, KUA’s president and general manager. “This is a tragic event and a difficult time for all of us.”
The contractor, an employee of Reinhausen, was pronounced dead at the scene by Osceola County emergency officials. The two utility employees were airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center in Orlando for treatment.
The transformer was a new piece of equipment, having only been in service a few months at the substation.
The accident is under investigation.
Founded in 1901, KUA (http://kua.com) is Florida's sixth largest community-owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to 64,000 customers in Osceola County, Fla.# # #
Chris M. Gent
(407) 933-9836
cgent@kua.com
HI this is Joe,
I was sitting out my back at about 9:40ish when I saw a huge puff of smoke in the air I went to call 911 and my phone jammed, Right then I heard fire truck sirens coming to the fire. By 10:06 the big black smoke stopped. I'm sure they were still battling the fire. I had a bad feeling that someone got killed. Then I sent out an email to everyone to let them know what I saw on Channel 13 news ...one dead two others hurt. I was in shock of the news.
Others posted on our facebook and saw the smoke as they passed and gave us news from what they saw. Otherss Still giving us news at 3:00 pm.
It not that we lost power it's that we lost a life.....
I Don't wish this on anyone...God Bless all.