WAPA Lineman Injured During Field Work on St. Thomas; Receiving Medical Attention

WAPA Confirms Incident as CEO Karl Knight Expresses Concern for Injured Employee

ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands — November 6, 2026 — A Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) lineman was injured Friday while performing field work on St. Thomas and is currently receiving medical attention, according to the Authority.

WAPA confirmed the incident in a statement but did not disclose the specific circumstances surrounding the injury, the nature or severity of the employee's injuries, or the exact location where the incident occurred.

WAPA Chief Executive Officer Karl Knight expressed concern for the injured employee, acknowledging the potential dangers faced by utility workers as they carry out essential services throughout the territory.

"We understand that the work our employees perform every day can be hazardous. We do our best to maintain a strong culture of safety throughout the Authority, because the well-being of our people must always come first," Knight said.

Knight also asked the community to keep the injured lineman and his family in their thoughts and prayers, while recognizing the dedication of WAPA employees who report to work daily to serve the Virgin Islands.

"We want every one of them to return home safely to their families at the end of the day," he added.

The incident highlights the occupational risks faced by electrical utility workers, particularly linemen who perform field operations involving electrical infrastructure and power distribution systems.

WAPA has not released additional details about how the incident occurred or whether an investigation is underway.

The Authority is asking the public to keep the injured employee, his family, and fellow workers in their thoughts during his recovery.