Construction worker hits high-voltage cable, takes out 13,600 properties

A MAN in his 30s has been flown to hospital in a serious condition after he hit an 11,000 volt cable with a jackhammer at a construction site in Bidwill today. It caused 13,600 homes and businesses to lose power.

A construction worker in his 30s suffered serious burns after hitting a high-voltage power cable in Bidwill today. Picture: Jeremy Onee

A MAN was flown to hospital in a serious condition after he struck a high-voltage cable with a jackhammer at a construction site in Bidwill today — with the incident leaving 13,600 homes and businesses without power.

It’s believed the construction worker, said to be in his 30s, hit the underground 11,000 voltage cable while jackhammering at the site on Popondetta Rd, Bidwill near Bennett Grove about 11am.

A man is loaded into a CareFlight helicopter after suffering serious burns at a Bidwill construction site.

He suffered serious burns to his face, neck, back and arms. Pictures: CareFlight

A NSW Ambulance spokesman said he had serious arms, face, neck and back burns.

The spokesman said the man was conscious when he was flown to Royal North Shore Hospital via the CareFlight rapid response helicopter in a serious condition.

Supply now safely restored to nearly all customers affected by this morning’s power interruption in the Mt Druitt area. Approximately 50 customers in Bidwill will be without power for several hours while further repairs are completed. Thank you for your patience.

— Endeavour Energy (@endeavourenergy) July 24, 2018

The high-voltage cable the man hit at the Bidwill construction site. Picture: CareFlight

The incident caused a mass blackout impacting more than 13,000 homes in the nearby suburbs of Hebersham, Oakhurst, Bidwill, Hassall Grove, Blackett, Shalvey, Lethbridge Park, Dharruk, Emerton, Willmot, Mt Druitt, Whalan and Plumpton.

An Endeavour Energy spokesman said co-workers responded to help the injured man at the scene before calling emergency services.

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“Endeavour Energy crews provided initial assistance to the injured contractor, who has now been flown to Royal North Shore Hospital for treatment,” he said.

“The damage to the underground cable caused all supply to be isolated from Endeavour Energy’s Plumpton Zone Substation.

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“Endeavour Energy staff are on site to commence a full investigation into the incident, which has also been reported to SafeWork NSW.”

Almost all homes now have power reconnected.

About 50 homes in Bidwill will be without power for several hours while repairs are completed.

A spokesman for Northern Sydney Local Health District said the man was in a stable condition on Tuesday afternoon.