Emergency services have rushed to Dunedin’s main shopping street following reports of a possible explosion that has electrocuted a worker.
A St John spokesperson said they received a call to the incident on George Street at 8.57am and sent a rapid response vehicle, manager and one ambulance.
One patient has been treated and transported to Dunedin Hospital in a serious condition.
A police spokesperson said they attended the scene to help Fire and Emergency services.
It is believed a digger may have broken through electrical cables at the site, causing the incident.
A Dunedin City Council spokesperson confirmed the Isaac Construction employee working on the site was electrocuted.
"WorkSafe has been notified and a thorough investigation into exactly what happened will take place in due course," the spokesperson said. "However, our immediate focus is on the welfare of the worker and colleagues who witnessed the incident."
Isaac Construction Chief Executive Jeremy Dixon said the worker received burns after a live cable was accidentally cut.
The injuries are serious, but not life-threatening and the worker is currently in a stable condition.
"Our immediate focus is on supporting our colleague, her family and the wider Isaac team. Many of our people are understandably feeling very upset at what’s happened," Dixon said.
DCC General Manager Corporate and Quality Robert West said Worksafe was notified shortly after the incident occurred.
Our thoughts are with the injured person, their whānau and the wider Isaac Construction team,” he says.
"Many DCC staff, particularly those working closely on the Retail Quarter project, are also feeling very shaken about what’s happened.
"Our immediate focus is on supporting people – this includes making our employment counselling service available to both DCC and Isaac staff affected.
"We would also like to thank members of the public, particularly an off-duty doctor, who provided first aid assistance immediately after the incident."
George St between Moray Place and St Andrew Street has been closed down until further notice.
The work was part of a major revamping of the city's retail quarter, starting with the block outside of the Farmers store.
George Street is currently being upgraded, with the street becoming a one-way road and new water and waste pipes being installed.
