A worker for AmerenUE was killed today while working to restore power in the St. Louis area, while another was seriously injured in a separate incident. Fifty-six year-old Robert Tackett was killed this morning when he stepped on a live power line that was partially hidden by the brush. A groundskeeper at a nearby home saw the incident and immediately called for help, but authorities say Tackett died before rescuers could arrive. Tackett was a 13-year veteran of the company. A crew member from Kansas City-based Par Electric was seriously burned when he came in contact with an energized line in the Spanish Lake area. He’s expected to make a full recovery. Meanwhile, the Reverand Al Sharpton made a visit to St. Louis today, calling on Ameren to reduce its rates by 10% to make up for the inconvenience for those without power. About 146,000 customers are still without power. Ameren expects all customers will have their electricity back on by tomorrow (Wed).
