MENIFEE – The public was encouraged to make donations to a memorial fund set up for the Southern California Edison lineman who died in an industrial accident, utility officials said. Edison International, SCE’s parent company, already has donated $25,000 to the start the memorial fund for Jose “Raul” Ros, who was killed Thursday while working on an improvement project at a Menifee substation, according to SCE. Ros, 38, of Winchester, was electrocuted while working in an underground electrical vault where authorities said there was an explosion and fire. Ros was a distribution lineman who worked for utility for the past 11 years and was survived by his wife and two daughters. The accident that left three other SCE employees with minor injuries was under investigation, SCE reported. “We are extremely saddened by this tragedy and extend our condolences to Raul’s family,” SCE President Ron Litzinger said. “Members of the Edison family have expressed their desire to support Raul’s family, and with the establishment of the fund, we are able to help them during this extremely difficult time.” Donations can be sent to Jose “Raul” Ros Memorial Fund, c/o Edison International Community Investment, 2244 Walnut Grove Ave., Rosemead, Ca 91770. Anyone who has questions about the fund can call (866) 524-8533, according to SCE.
MENIFEE – A Southern California Edison worker was electrocuted and three other workers sustained minor injuries today in an industrial accident involving underground equipment in Menifee, authorities said. The employee — identified as 38-year-old Jose Raul Ros, of Winchester — was pronounced dead at the scene of the 7:43 a.m. accident that occurred at an underground electrical vault. There was an electrical explosion and fire, according to the Riverside County Coroner’s Office. Ros, a distribution lineman, worked with Edison for 11 years. He is survived by a wife and two daughters. State Occupational Safety and Heath officials determined the employee was electrocuted, ABC7 reported. Three other SCE workers were treated and released for smoke inhalation, the ABC7 report said. SCE spokeswoman Lauren Bartlett said the accident at Murrieta and Ridgemoor roads in Menifee was not related to the copper theft at a nearby SCE facility yesterday afternoon that triggered a power outage. A section of the intersection to Park Avenue was closed to traffic and pedestrians, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department officials said. Edison President Ron Litzinger said the company was “deeply saddened by today’s tragic event and we extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Ros’ family.” “We are in close contact with the injured employees and counseling is being offered to those affected by this unfortunate accident,” Litzinger said.
MENIFEE – A Southern California Edison worker died today in an industrial accident in Menifee, the utility reported. The fatal accident involved underground equipment at Murrieta and Ridgemoor roads, according to an SCE statement. The cause of the 7:47 a.m. accident was under investigation. The name of the employee was withheld pending notification of relatives, an SCE spokeswoman said. The employee was pronounced dead at the scene, Riverside County Fire Department spokeswoman Melody Hendrickson said. Two other SCE workers were taken an area hospital for treatment of minor smoke inhalation, Hendrickson said.