A contractor working for Upcountry Fiber and Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative in Anderson County experienced an arc flash on Monday while assisting with deploying broadband internet services.
According to a press release, Emergency Medical Services responded swiftly, administered life-saving procedures on-site, and transported the injured person to AnMed Health Medical Center for further treatment. The contractor was then transported to the Augusta Burn Center. No new details have been released on their condition.
"We are fully cooperating with the authorities to determine how this incident occurred," said Jeff Wilson, CEO of West Carolina Rural Telephone Cooperative, in a statement. “We care about each of our employees and contractors and are praying for a full recovery."
What is Upcountry Fiber?
Upcountry Fiber was established in 2020 as a trade name for collaboration partnerships between Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative and West Carolina Rural Electric Cooperative .
They provide high-speed fiber internet service to residents in Anderson , Greenville , Oconee , and Pickens counties.
Their contractors are a part of Upcountry Fiber, West Carolina, and Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative.
“Our top priority is always the safety and well-being of our employees and contractors involved in every aspect of our operations,” said Jim Lovinggood, president and CEO of Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative.
What is an arc flash?
According to the National Fire Protection Association , an arc flash is the intense light and heat generated during electric arcing.
An arc flash occurs when an electric current is sustained outside its normal conductive pathway, such as in the air. Electric arcs typically form due to various factors, such as high voltages or currents, moisture, and damaged insulation.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com .
This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: Upcountry Fiber issues statement after employee experiences arc flash in Anderson County
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