Tampa Electric worker suffers severe burns from power line shock

TAMPA — A Tampa Electric Co. lineman was in critical condition Monday evening after an electrical shock, officials said.

Police and firefighters responded to Dona Michelle Drive and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard about 10:20 a.m. and found John S. Hudson, 35, unconscious, said Fire Rescue Lt. Danielle Spradlin.

Hudson had been working on an electrical line from an insulated bucket truck when his body came in contact with the 7,620-volt power line, police said. The shock caused severe burns.

His co-workers lowered him to the ground and began CPR until Fire Rescue workers arrived and took him to University Community Hospital. Hudson was stabilized and taken by helicopter to Tampa General Hospital.

In 2008, 35 people were killed while installing and repairing electrical power lines in the country, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.