A West Penn Power lineman helping to restore power in Florida following Hurricane Irma was injured Wednesday.
“He was a veteran lineman working in Englewood, Florida,” Todd Meyers, West Penn Power spokesman, said. “It looks like he came in contact with an energized power line.”
Clarion native 53-year-old Tracy Slaugenhaupt underwent surgery and remains in intensive care at the Blake Medical Center in Bradenton, Florida. His current condition is unknown at this time.
The lineman with 25-years service had been in Florida for about two weeks working alongside 40 other West Penn employees. Their crew has been primarily focused on restoring service to customers on the Golf Coast.
“There was a lot of tree damage in the Sarasota area,” Meyers said. “No much catastrophic building damage like in other areas but tons and tons of trees down. They were working on many, many lines that branched off the main lines and traveled through backyards and into neighborhoods. It’s been tough. It’s hot and there’s more climbing than usual because in many cases you can’t get a bucket truck in there.”
Meyers did not believe there was anybody from Butler County working in that area.
