Ana Good
Whit McGee
Vestavia Schools Spokesman Whit McGhee answered questions from the media Thursday, March 10 during a press conference.
The investigation into how three Vestavia Hills High School students suffered electrical shocks after coming into contact with a live power line remains “fluid,” Vestavia Hills City Schools Spokesman Whit McGhee said during a press conference this morning.
McGhee said there was no update to give on the status of the injured students but said school leaders continue to check in with the families of those involved.
The students, he said, all male track athletes, were moving a portable “L-shaped” football goal post off the school’s multi-practice field at approximately 3:40 p.m. when it struck a hanging live power line. McGhee said the students, along with a track coach, were moving the football post ahead of this weekend’s King of the Mountain track meet. The goal post was in the process of being rolled off the field, said McGhee, though it remains unclear whether it was folded down prior to transport.
Because the field is used for multiple purposes, McGhee said the goal post is often rolled out of the way.
Alabama Power Spokesman Isaac Pigott provided the following statement regarding the power lines involved in the incident: “We are still in the process of gathering information. We join the Vestavia Hills community in expressing concern for the students and their families. Our hearts go out to them, and we are keeping them in our prayers.”
Pigott released a second statement Thursday afternoon.
"First and foremost – our number one concern is the health and well-being of the young men who were injured – their families, and the community that loves them.
A lot of you have had questions about the particulars – the pole, the wire, where everything was – and what we can tell you from our initial findings is that the wire was not on the ground, was properly connected to the pole, and not hanging low.
As we continue our review of the facts, we offer our prayers and hopes for a full recovery for those involved," read the statement.
Following the accident, one of the students went into cardiac arrest, said McGhee, and was resuscitated with the help of CPR and a portable defibrillator. The athletic department initiated its emergency action plan until first responders arrived.
Vestavia Hills Fire Lt. Ryan Farrell said the fire department's paramedic unit transported all three students to the hospital.
The coach was unharmed, said McGhee, but was examined at a local hospital Tuesday evening.
"The quick reaction of our coaching staff and school resource officers yesterday saved lives,” said McGhee.
Vestavia Hills City Schools press conference
Superintendent Sheila Phillips reads statement on the Tuesday, March 9 power line accident involving three high school students.
First responders arrived in less than a minute, he said, and paramedics arrived in less than 10. All Vestavia Hills teachers, coaches and School Resource Officers receive CPR training, said McGhee. Every school is also equipped with a portable defibrillator, which is kept with athletic trainers at all times, he said.
Vestavia Hills Superintendent Sheila Phillips become emotional as she read from a prepared statement.
“This morning, our thoughts and prayers are with our three young men who were hurt at our high school yesterday,” said Phillips, “with their families, with our faculty and staff. Our concern is first and foremost with their well-being and with the well-being of all of those involved.”
The investigation is being handled by multiple agencies, said McGhee. More information will be released as it becomes available.
As of now, he said, the King of the Mountain track meet will go on as scheduled.
