Contractor hit with 12,000 volts of electricity in reported explosion at AES Ohio substation

SIDNEY — A contractor was seriously injured after being electrocuted during a reported explosion at an AES Ohio substation in Sidney.

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Sidney police and fire were called to the AES Ohio facility in the 2300 block of Campbell Road on reports of an explosion shortly after 1:38 p.m., according to a Sidney Fire Department dispatcher.

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A man, identified as a contractor, was hit with around 12,000 volts of electricity after coming in contact with a transformer, according to Lt. Ryan Heitmen, with the Sidney Fire Department.

As reported on News Center 7 at 5:00, he sustained second and third-degree burns on almost 50 percent of his body.

He was flown to Miami Valley Hospital with serious injuries.

“AES Ohio aware of an incident involving a contractor working at the Sidney Substation today. This situation is a reminder of the many inherent risks in this type of work. The safety of our employees, contractors and community are always our top priority,” an AES spokesperson told News Center 7.

The incident remains under investigation.

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