LOS ANGELES (AP) — A state agency has proposed fining a television news station almost $30,000 for an accident that nearly electrocuted a reporter.
Adrienne Alpert was in the front passenger seat of a KABC-TV news van May 22 when its microwave antenna mast was raised and touched a 34,000-volt power line. The 48-year-old reporter was severely burned, and surgeons were forced to amputate her leg, arm and part of her hand and foot.
A KABC camerawoman and a police officer at the scene also were injured.
The California Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Friday that the Los Angeles station should be fined for lapses including failing to properly train staff members on safety and failing to post a warning sign saying to keep the antenna away from high voltage wires.