2 Carnival Workers Injured When Coaster Touches Power Line

THOUSAND OAKS (AP) — Two carnival workers have been hurt, one seriously, when a roller coaster being erected for a Southern California festival touched a power line.

Ventura County fire Capt. Ron Oatman says the North American Amusements employees were setting up a roller coaster Tuesday afternoon for the five-day Conejo Valley Days at Conejo Creek Park South in Thousand Oaks when the men were shocked.

The Ventura County Star says witnesses told investigators there was a popping sound and arcing, then the man either jumped or fell from the coaster. Oatman says he's hospitalized with severe burns where electricity entered and exited his body.

A second worker who said he was also shocked was examined at a hospital and released.

The state Division of Occupational Safety and Health is investigating the incident.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)