2 utility workers die in Central Iowa after striking buried electrical line

PELLA, Iowa (AP) - Two workers installing internet cables in Pella, Iowa, died after striking an underground, high-voltage electrical cable.

Pella Police Lt. Paul Haase said the workers died Saturday morning after striking the electrical line.

Haase said residents nearby reported hearing a loud boom at the time.

A third worker for Excel Utility Contractors suffered minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital.

The crew was installing internet cables for Pella Fiber.

Haase said 35-year-old Genis Urgell Rueda and 20-year-old Nelson Joani Figueroa died.

They were both from Richmond, Virginia.

People who lived near where the electrical line was struck were evacuated for about an hour.