Springdale Township worker receives electrical shock mowing lawn

Springdale Township officials are investigating an incident last week in which a road department worker received a serious electrical shock after running over a downed power line on a riding mower.

Joe Luera, 56, a part-time Springdale Township employee, was rushed to UPMC St. Margaret hospital and then taken to UPMC Mercy Hospital’s burn unit, where he was treated and released. He is still recovering from his burns and being treated by doctors.

Luera, who could not be reached, was cutting grass near the corner of Main Street and Yutes Run Road on the morning of Aug. 13 when his mower struck a power line. The electric line had been disconnected from a house that burned down in April 2017.

Anthony Rozzano, president of the township’s board of commissioners, said the line was still active.

“West Penn Power did come and they disconnected the main power line. When they disconnected it from the house, they just rolled it up and tied it to the telephone pole across the street and they were right next to the ground,” Rozzano said. “Evidently, they never shut the power off to the line and the line has been live since April of 2017.”

West Penn Power removed the line last week, but Rozzano said power to the line should have been shut off three years ago.

“Somebody dropped the ball,” said Rozzano. “I’m just surprised because that’s also a bus stop and kids stand there. What I don’t understand is how that can be hot for three solid years. Why wasn’t it shut off? It’s sad. Somebody could have been killed here. ”

West Penn Power spokesman Todd Meyers said the company has been notified about the situation and the incident is under investigation.

Rozzano said Luera has worked for the township for nearly four years and is an excellent worker.

“He’s in good spirits, he’s moving around and he says he wants to come back to work at some point,” Rozzano said. “But he says he’s never getting back on a riding mower again.”