Freak accident at the Port results in two Hispanic cleaners sustaining severe burns from electric shock on Saturday

Two Hispanic men remain in critical condition at the Sir Lester Bird
Medical Centre following what appears to be another freak accident
at the Antigua Port Authority.

According to reports, Leandro Payano, 25, and Javier Alcantara, 32 –
nationals of the Dominican Republic – received an electric shock
while working at the Port on Saturday, October 14.

The two employees of Valdez Cleaning Services reportedly were
engaged in a clean-up on the south side of the administrative
building. In attempting to move a multi-layer scaffolding, which
reportedly was higher than 30 feet, the men allegedly lost control.
 
Some reports claim it rolled from the building and slammed into the
Antigua Public Utilities Authority high-tension wires, which resulted
in the pair receiving an electric shock. Other reports claim the
scaffolding had no wheels; therefore, it was not possible that it had
rolled.
 
However, following the incident, the victims were rushed to the
hospital by first responders. Reportedly, they both were conscious
at that time, but had sustained severe burns, among other injuries.
 
Reports say that, following the accident, members of the Hispanic
community gathered at the hospital to lend support to the injured
men.

Sources say that Valdez Cleaning Services is usually responsible for
cleaning the Port; but this was the first time the exterior of this
building was being cleaned.  

Electricity, which had been suppressed after the incident, was
restored to the administrative building by APUA workers on Sunday
morning, October 15.