Unexpected Danger in Underground Construction

Electric Conduit Construction builds utility infrastructure. The work is Challenging. Our men and women are routinely working in trenches, aerial buckets and with heavy equipment. Distracted drivers have blundered into our work zones, we have encountered explosive and toxic atmospheres. Unmarked gas and electrical utilities pose hazards to our crews when they are digging or drilling through the ground. Our safety department works hard to instill situational awareness and build a culture of safety into the minds and actions of our employees.

On a day in late July 2018 our crews were installing conduit and fiber optic cable on Chicago's south side in an effort to bring better internet and cellular service to that community when a new hazard reared its ugly head. Bullets started flying as one car chased another down the street. Like a scene out of gangster movie, only these were not stunt men. The bullets were real and as the first ones sizzled past the heads of our crew the men scattered to the nearest cover. The chase car driver was shot. The car lost control and slammed into our hydro-vac machine.