HU lineman loses forearm in accident

By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Mike Cadle, a Hartselle Utilities Electric Department lineman, was injured by electric shock at approximately 11:45 a.m. Thursday while working on a power line upgrade project on Washington Street, according to Ferrell Vest, general manager.
Cadle, 43, suffered severe trauma to his right arm and less serious flash burns to other parts of his body when he came into contact with a 7,200-volt transmission line. He was transported by ambulance to Hartselle Medical Center and later airlifted to UAB Hospital.
Surgery was performed Thursday evening to remove his right forearm. Following surgery, he was moved to the intensive care unit where he was listed in stable condition Friday morning.
Vest said an investigation will be conducted by an independent electrical engineer to determine the cause of the accident. The findings will be used to determine what, if any, steps need to be taken to prevent a similar accident from occurring in the future.
The last time the electric department had an accident resulting in a permanent injury was October 1982, according to Doug Keel, electric department superintendent.
Cadle was employed by HU in October 1999.