Tragic Electrocution in Seminole: Father Dead, Two Injured in Accident

Tragic Electrocution in Seminole: Father Dead, Two Injured in Accident

In a tragic incident that has left the Seminole community reeling, a workplace accident on August 14, 2025, resulted in one fatality and two serious injuries. Justin Bryan, 30, lost his life after an electrical hazard occurred while Primoris, a subcontractor for Duke Energy, was installing a new power pole. As the crew worked, their machinery accidentally struck a power line around 2 p.m., leading to electrocution. Meanwhile, two other workers—Matt Waldrop, 31, and Jeff Busch, 27—sustained severe injuries and have since been hospitalized, with Waldrop receiving treatment at Tampa General Hospital, where he faces a lengthy recovery of up to 12 weeks for his burns. All three victims were fathers and the primary earners for their families, a heartbreaking detail that underscores the personal impact of this tragedy.

As Duke Energy works to restore power to the approximately 14,000 customers affected in the Park Blvd. North area, the company has expressed its condolences and reiterated its commitment to safety. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been notified and is expected to investigate further. The seriousness of this incident cannot be overstated, particularly given the troubling history of electrical safety violations associated with the utility company. In fact, Duke Energy was recently fined $16,131 by the North Carolina Department of Labor for a different fatal electrocution incident that occurred just a year prior. This earlier incident involved a lineman, who tragically lost his life while making connections on an energized line and resulted in state recommendations for improved safety measures, including updated protective glove standards.

The Broader Picture of Electrical Safety

The frequency of electrical incidents in the workplace highlights a significant concern for various industries. According to data analyzed by the Electrical Safety Foundation, from 2003 to 2010, there were a staggering 42,882 occupational fatalities in the U.S., with 1,738 directly attributable to electric current. The construction industry accounted for the highest number of these fatalities, shedding light on the urgent need for stringent safety protocols in high-risk occupations.

Particularly alarming is that contact with overhead power lines has been marked as the leading cause of electrical fatalities. Workers in utilities, construction, and agricultural sectors have witnessed disproportionately high rates of both fatal and nonfatal electrical injuries. The statistics reveal that a vast majority of electrical fatalities, about 98%, are due to electrocution, emphasizing the critical need for ongoing training and safety advancements in protecting workers in potentially hazardous environments.

As the Seminole incident continues to unfold, the community and regulatory bodies will undoubtedly scrutinize Duke Energy’s safety practices and response to these alarming events. For now, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist Waldrop’s family during this difficult time. Local residents are coming together in solidarity, demonstrating that even in the face of tragedy, there is a spirit of community and support that endures.

In the wake of these incidents, it becomes increasingly clear that there’s a pressing need for heightened awareness and enforcement of safety regulations not just within Duke Energy but throughout the construction and utility sectors. How many more tragedies will it take before decisive action is taken?

For further details on the Seminole incident, you can read more at ABC Action News. To dive deeper into the safety breaches that have plagued Duke Energy, you can explore the report by Ramsay Law Firm. Lastly, for broader statistics on workplace electrical safety, the Electrical Safety Foundation offers insightful data at Electrical Safety Foundation International.