Electrical workers injured in Troy

TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Crews from a private firm were working at the Mount Ida Hydro-Electric Dam off of Congress Street Tuesday morning until something went wrong.

“Some sort of electrical event happened that caused the equipment to arc and resulted in their burns,” said Fire Chief Rich Cellucci.

An electric arc is an electrical breakdown of gas that produces a plasma spark. 

“Significant burns in varying degrees on various parts of their body,” Cellucci detailed. ”One of them was transported by ground ambulance to Albany Medical Center, and the other two were each transported by helicopter to a burn center."

The incident got the attention of City Hall. 

“It's being investigated. I believe the state and OSHA will be coming in the plant. The hydro plant has been shut down. I have talked to our chief multiple times this morning, getting updates and just so you know, our thoughts are with the victims," said Troy Mayor Carmella Mantello.

The facility is owned by Relevate Power LLC and operated by Ampersand New York Operations Co. They sent a statement saying the "plant will not operate until further notice. Mount Ida Hydro officials are working to support the investigations of local firefighters and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration."