Worker fixing water main break dies after sidewalk collapse; 3 firefighters injured during rescue attempt

LAKE MARY, Fla. - Seminole County fire officials say one person was killed in a sidewalk collapse and three firefighters were injured.

Investigators said Tomasz Sajkowski, a Seminole County utility mechanic, was working at a water main break on Chiswell Place in Lake Mary on Friday morning when he became trapped underneath the sidewalk after it collapsed.

Firefighters arrived to try to rescue Sajkowski.  Officials were trying to move part of the sidewalk with "The Jaws of Life" to free the victim when wires inside the hole became "energized" by a nearby transformer and shocked the firefighters, collapsing the slabs of concrete onto the victim.

Officials say the firefighters were able to get out of the hole on their own.  They were taken to the hospital as a precaution, but are expected to be OK.

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Tomasz has been part of the Seminole County team since November 2019.

"He was an experienced utilities professional, a valued team member, and above all, a dedicated husband and father of two beautiful children," said county spokesperson Ashley Moore. "Our most heartfelt condolences, thoughts, and prayers are extended to the Sajkowski family and friends."

The Seminole County Sheriff's Office and the State Fire Marshal's Office are investigating.