FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — A worker suffered burns after an electrical panel exploded at a Fort Myers Walmart on Sunday, prompting an evacuation and an emergency helicopter transport, according to a newly released Lee County Sheriff’s Office report.
Deputies responded to the Walmart at 14821 Ben C. Pratt Six Mile Cypress Parkway around 3:45 p.m. Oct. 25 after receiving a report of a business fire involving a burn victim.
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According to the report, the worker told deputies he was working on an electrical panel in an electrical room behind the store when the panel exploded, causing burns across his body.
When deputies arrived, multiple fire and EMS units were already at the scene treating the injured worker.
A responding deputy reported observing apparent second-degree burns on the worker.
The worker was designated a trauma alert and airlifted to Bradenton for medical treatment, according to LCSO.
The store had already been evacuated before deputies arrived. Deputies conducted an additional check to ensure everyone had safely exited the building.
Florida Power & Light also responded to the scene and recommended that the business remain closed for the rest of Sunday night. A Walmart manager was informed of the recommendation, according to the report.
The cause of the electrical panel explosion has not been confirmed.
The worker’s current condition and whether the store has reopened have not been released.