Construction worker injured in crane accident in downtown Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - More than 400 Dominion power customers are without power after a construction worker was electrocuted at a construction site in downtown Richmond.

The incident happened at 15th and Cary street near the old Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurant.

Richmond Fire says a construction worker on a scissor lift when he came into contact with power lines.

As sparks flew and a fire broke out, the man’s co-worker jumped into action, pulling him off of the machinery.

The victim was rushed to the hospital in serious yet stable condition.

Battalion Chief Raymond Neville says the incident caused hundreds of power outages across downtown.

He says it took fire crews twenty minutes to get the smoldering fire under control.

“Our biggest challenge was the fact that we’re dealing with electricity. You can’t see, can’t smell and we didn’t know if the power lines were still energized, so we stood back, and it burned for quite a bit until we could confirm the power was out, and then extinguished the fire,” Neville said.

Dominion Energy says over 450 customers lost power on Wednesday. According to spokesperson Craig Carper, all power impacted by the incident has been restored.

Lulu’s restaurant, located off East Main Street, was one of many places that lost power.

General Manager Aaron Clifton says they were in the middle of serving lunch to nearly a dozen tables.

“Some guests had their food. They were happy. We apologized. They hung out for a while and enjoyed the rest of their meal, and those who had not eaten went on about their business,” Clifton said.

Clifton says staff worked hard to save food in the back freezers.

He says while his workers missed out on much-needed tips, he knows their inconvenience is nothing compared to what that construction worker is going through.

Clifton says he hopes he recovers.

“I hope that they’re okay. Obviously, this is something that hurts our business, but as long as that person is okay, I’d rather lose a couple hours of sales than someone’s life,” Clifton said.

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