Acting Commissioner of Public Safety, Le’i Sonny Thompson, has confirmed that one person has died from electrocution on Saturday in a tragic accident that occurred at the Manu’a store compound at the Industrial Park.
Le’i stressed that the information is preliminary until an investigation by the Criminal Investigations Division is completed.
Because the incident was at a work site, the US Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) is also expected to conduct its own probe.
According to the Acting Commissioner a total of six men were exposed to electr
ocution, but how this happened will only be determined from the police investigation.
Le’i confirmed that one of the men died on Saturday.
Family members have identified the deceased as Iosefa Elia, who leaves behind a young pregnant wife.
The acting commissioner said he was notified about the incident late and when he arrived at the scene the victims had already been transported to the hospital.
Le’i recounted that when he arrived at the LBJ, one man had been pronounced dead and a prayer service for him was underway in the chapel.
Two of the men were in the Intensive Care Unit while the others were stabilized in the Emergency Room.
Eye witnesses said a crane was seen at a construction site near Manu’a Store when contact was made with a primary power line.
The men who were electrocuted were on the ground.
The incident occurred mid morning on Saturday while it was raining. 
Within minutes, a video of the victims being carried across the road by fellow workers , and then shaken and slapped in an effort to wake them up, had gone viral on Facebook.
Workers dressed in Manu’a Store uniforms were heard calling names of the victims and trying to get them to respond.
There was no sign of anyone administering CPR at the scene.
There was angry reaction from Facebookers to the person who took the video , and those who shared it.
A few hours later the video was removed from FB.
Co-workers of the deceased, Iosefa Elia, described him as a happy and hard working young man.
Manu’a stores closed early Saturday and the LBJ Chapel was packed with employees paying their respects to Mr. Elia.
His wife Leeann posted on Facebook yesterday morning, “Thanks for walking me & baby this morning. Don’t worry I’m staying strong & I believe you are here with us. Much Love & kisses & hugs.”
To her and the parents and family of Mr. Elia, KHJ News extends our deepest condolences.
KHJ News has been unable to get an update on the condition of the other men who were exposed to electric shock from this unfortunate accident.
