Experienced lineman killed in transformer accident

OSHA and the city of Palo Alto, California are investigating the death of an electrical lineman employed by the city.

Forty-two-year-old Donatus Okhomina, described in news reports as a “seasoned electrical lineman,” was killed Saturday morning in an incident involving an electrical transformer. He was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Few details about the incident have been released. Okhomina was part of a five-member performing an upgrade on the transformer for Covenant Presbyterian Church. None of the other workers were injured.

Although Okhomina had only been employed by Palo Alto for a month, he had previously worked for PG&E and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District.

An Air Force veteran, Okhomina is survived by his wife and four daughters, ages 6, 11, 14 and 17.