Injured MEA lineman expected to survive injuries

PALMER - A Matanuska Electric Association lineman who was seriously burned in an electrical accident in Palmer last week is expected to survive his injuries.

Jim Brown, 42, of Palmer, was flown to Emmanuel Hospital Burn Unit in Portland, Ore., after suffering second-degree burns on more than 60 percent of his body in the Oct. 9 accident.

While Brown remains in critical but stable condition, Tuckerman Babcock of MEA said Brown is only in danger of infection at this time. Brown's family was with him at the burn hospital, Babcock said.

Brown was working at the Lucas substation just south of Palmer when the accident occurred about 3:45 p.m.

Another MEA lineman was injured when he apparently came to Brown's aid. Marcus Moore suffered burns to his hands after coming into contact with Brown's burning clothing, according to MEA.

Babcock said separate investigations into the accident conducted by MEA, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union (in which Brown is a member) and the Alaska Department of Labor's occupational safety and health compliance office are not yet completed, and no information is available about how Brown received the electrical shock.

A trust fund on behalf of Brown and his 11-year-old daughter has been set up at the National Bank of Alaska by the IBEW. Contributions can be made at any NBA branch.