2 Utility Workers in Iowa Die After Striking Buried Electrical Line

Two workers installing internet cables in Pella, Iowa, died after striking an underground, high-voltage electrical cable.

Pella Police Lt. Paul Haase said the workers died Saturday morning after striking the electrical line. Haase said residents nearby reported hearing a loud boom at the time.

A third worker for Excel Utility Contractors suffered minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital. The crew was installing internet cables for Pella Fiber.

Haase said 35-year-old Genis Urgell Rueda and 20-year-old Nelson Joani Figueroa died. They were both from Richmond, Virginia.

People who lived near where the electrical line was struck were evacuated for about an hour while officials checked for any natural gas or electrical hazards.