2 hospitalized in critical condition after suffering electric shock at Irwindale Speedway

ByLeanne Suter and ABC7.com staff KABC logo
Sunday, September 9, 2018
2 critical  after suffering electric shock at Irwindale Speedway
Two people were transported to hospitals in critical condition after suffering electrical shock at the Irwindale Speedway.

IRWINDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- Two people were transported to hospitals in critical condition Saturday after suffering electrical shock at the Irwindale Speedway, a Los Angeles County Fire Department dispatcher said.

The incident, which left one of the patients in cardiac arrest, was reported about 2:30 p.m. at the popular motorsports venue.

The victims were rushed to the hospital, where track officials said they are now conscious.

Officials said the two men were working near a pit trailer when both were suddenly shocked.

Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics and racetrack medical crews attended to the victims immediately.

Authorities said the source of the shock appears to be an enclosed trailer, and faulty wiring inside the trailer appears to be the issue.

Power was shut off at the location temporarily and Southern California Edison personnel were summoned, along with two ambulances and a paramedic squad.

Officials said there was no threat to the public and will continue with the races as scheduled.

"First Responders and Military Appreciation Night" was scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Saturday at the speedway, according to its website.