APS Worker Killed In Phoenix Explosion Identified
The Phoenix Police Department on Monday released the name of the Arizona Public Service employee who was killed in an explosion underneath the streets of downtown Phoenix on Sunday.
Ricardo Castillo worked for the company as an electrician for 12 years.
Phoenix police say Castillo was killed by an explosion and subsequent fire around 10:30 p.m. while working in an underground electrical vault.
Another worker, a 46-year-old male, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was able to escape. The police said he has been treated and released from the hospital.
The explosion occurred underneath the intersection of First Avenue and Washington Street, and many neighboring buildings experienced power outages on Monday.
The Industrial Commission Of Arizona confirmed it was investigating the incident but could not comment.
APS said power to three of four major buildings in downtown Phoenix that lost electric service is now expected to be restored within 48 hours.
Getting power back to a fourth building could take longer.
The utility said Monday evening that two workers were replacing a power cable in the vault when an electrical flash occurred and a fire erupted.
The accident late Sunday night cut power to four major building — the Wells Fargo Tower, the Phoenix Municipal Building, the Maricopa County Administrative Building and the south hall of the Phoenix Convention Center.
All but the Wells Fargo building should have power back within two days.
