Man in coma, houses blacked out after electrical accident at Tomago

BY TYRON BUTSON
24 Jun, 2009 11:33 AM
A SUBSTATION technician shocked by 33,000 volts at Tomago was in a medically induced coma last night.
The accident cut power to more than 30,000 homes and businesses in Williamtown, Stockton, Raymond Terrace and parts of Nelson Bay for up to three hours.
Paramedics said the 35-year-old man, who was working on equipment at the Tomago Road substation at about 9am, was flung more than three metres by the shock.
He suffered severe burns to his head, face, neck and chest.
The man was rushed to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition and later flown to the burns unit at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital.
An EnergyAustralia spokesman said the injured employee, who was based at the Wallsend depot, had been put in an induced coma for the trip to Sydney.
His brother and mother, who live on the North Coast, were believed to be travelling to Sydney to be with him.
EnergyAustralia said the man and several co-workers were doing routine testing on a 33,000-volt line or busbar at the substation.
"Unfortunately, he's come into contact with the high-voltage equipment and has suffered a serious electric shock," a spokesman said.
WorkCover and police are investigating the incident, which interrupted electricity supply to 33,000 homes and businesses.
The power interruption caused minor problems on roads, with traffic lights also affected.
Power was returned to 21,000 properties by 10.15am yesterday.
All properties were back on-line by about 11.30am.
The Tomago substation is the major power supplier for the Port Stephens region.
EnergyAustralia managing director George Maltabarow said the company's priority was to support the injured man and his family.
Mr Maltabarow praised the man's workmates for responding quickly to ensure their colleague received medical help.