A construction worker was killed and another was injured after they were struck by lightning on June 27 on the grounds of Pines City Center, Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue says.
The unidentified man who died was in his 30s and may have taken a direct hit by the strike as he worked with the rebar for concrete, Ruben Troncoso, operations chief of Pines Fire Rescue, told The Miami Herald.
“He had significant injuries that were consistent with a direct strike,” Troncosco said, noting there was an entry and exit wound. “He was in cardiac arrest when crews arrived.”
The other man, who also has not been identified, was taken to Memorial Regional Hospital and was expected to survive.
The Naples Daily News, citing a USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida analysis of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data, has reported that Florida has had the most lightning-related deaths since Jan. 1, 2007, with 52. Texas came in second with 21.
Tadd Schwartz, a spokesperson for Pines City Center, a planned mixed-use community that includes a civic center, said the two men worked for a subcontractor.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the two construction workers involved in today’s unfortunate accident,” he said. “The matter is being reviewed by the proper authorities and the contractor on-site is cooperating in that process.”
Construction is under-way at the 47-acre mixed-use development comprised of retail, entertainment, and residences. It includes 200,000 sq. ft. of retail, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2018.
