17 Jan 2017

US agency expected to probe American Samoa electrocutions

12:06 pm on 17 January 2017

United States safety authorities are expected to conduct an investigation in American Samoa after six men were electrocuted at the territory's Industrial Park at the weekend.

American Samoa's Acting Commissioner of Public Safety Le'i Sonny Thompson has confirmed one man - Iosefa Elia - died, two men were in intensive care and the others were stabilised in hospital.

Le'i said the information was preliminary until the Criminal Investigations Division completes its investigation.

The US Occupational Health and Safety Administration is also expected to conduct its own probe.

Eye witnesses said a crane was seen lifting containers for the Manu'a Store when contact was made with a primary power line while it was raining on Saturday morning.

The men, who were on the ground, are believed to have touched the containers or the crane.