During the rains that struck Delaware County and the area on July 12 Companies 19 and 24 East Lansdowne were dispatched to the Lansdowne Movie Theater for a fire alarm. Engine 19-1 arrived and determined that the alarm was tripped due to a flooded basement at the movies. The building has been vacant for several years. Crews began to pump out the basement of the movie so that power to the building could be secured. PECO was notified and responded to secure gas and electric to the building. Due to the large amount of water in the building Companies 20 Drexel Hill and 22 Millbourne were called for additional pumps. PECO reps arrived and were not able to secure the power inside the building and located an alternate location to secure the power. An underground pit was located. The PECO rep began to secure the power and there was an arc in the pit. The PECO rep in the pit was knocked unconscious and crews on the scene immediately began to formulate a plan to remove the man. 19-9A Weiss requested EMS and Rescues 19 and 20 to the scene. The PECO rep regained consciousness and managed to pull himself partially out of the pit where he was grabbed and pulled from the pit by rescue crews. The rep was then transported to Crozier Burn Center with burns to his face and legs. Power to the area was secured by other responding PECO workers and crews then were able to clear the scene about 3.5 hours after arrival. Also assisting on the scene were Fitz and Delco Hospital Medics and Lansdowne PD.
