4 firemen shocked in PBR flood rescue

During yesterday’s mid- afternoon thundershowers across the country, four Fire Officers were assisting passengers from a maxi taxi on the Priority Bus Route (PBR) when they came in contact with a high tension wire.

In a telephone interview, Chief Fire Officer Roosevelt Bruce told Newsday, at about 1.15 pm the officers were injured.

“While effecting rescue we had four fire fighters who received some electric shock and they are being treated at Mt Hope Hospital.

None of the injuries appears to be life threatening, but they (doctors) have them at hospital for observation.

Only one will be kept at hospital for observation,” he said.

A press release from the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (TTEC) stated an investigation will be launched into the incident.

“The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission is in the process of appointing a committee to conduct an investigation to determine the contributing factors related to four Fire Service Officers apparently getting shocked on the Priority Bus Route earlier this afternoon, in the vicinity of 8th Avenue and 5th Street,” the release said.

The release further added that TTEC is liaising with the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service and has confirmed that the officers are being treated at the Mt Hope hospital.

“The information received is that there have been no fatalities i.e.

electrocution,” the release said.