SEMINOLE, FL – A tragic incident unfolded this afternoon in Seminole, leaving a Duke Energy contractor dead and two others injured. The accident, which occurred behind the Suncoast Chrysler dealership on Park Boulevard, also disrupted power for thousands of homes in the area.
Witnesses reported a loud explosion just before 2 p.m., which was followed by an immediate power outage. Residents described the sound as one of the loudest they had ever heard. Jessica Stanhope, a nearby resident, rushed outside upon hearing the blast and saw a man lying on the ground next to his truck.
Drone footage captured the scene, revealing the aftermath of what the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office described as an electrical hazard. Authorities responded promptly, but one person was pronounced dead at the site. The two injured individuals were transported to a local hospital, though their conditions remain unknown.
Stanhope recounted the moment she saw the power pole toppled over, expressing concern for the workers involved. “It was an incredibly loud boom,” she said, “and seeing someone on the ground was really unsettling.”
Duke Energy released a statement expressing their sorrow over the incident. They conveyed their condolences to the family of the deceased and support for the injured workers. The company is actively working to restore power to the affected homes.
The sheriff’s office has yet to release details about the specific work being conducted or the cause of the explosion. Meanwhile, residents remain on edge as they await further information.
The incident has raised questions about the safety protocols in place for contractors working with high-voltage lines. Local authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.