Editor’s Note: Some people may find this video disturbing and hard to watch.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — The Virginia Beach Fire Department responded to an electrical accident at the Bahama Breeze restaurant at Pembroke Square Friday.
According to officials, crews were dispatched to the Bahama Breeze for reports of a commercial structural fire just after noon July 12.
Crews arrived to the scene and found heavy smoke. It was determined that construction and electrical work were being done inside of the building.
A man who was addressing electrical issues in the building suffered burn injuries to his head, neck and face, fire crews said. He was transferred to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital to be treated for his injuries. There were no other injuries reported.
10 On Your Side’s Michelle Wolf spoke exclusively with the man who was injured.
“It was pretty scary,” said James Warren, a master electrician. “Real bright flash, sparks everywhere.”
In his 15 years as an electrician, Warren told us he’s had small shocks here and there, but being flash-burned in an explosion is a first.
“All my tools were pretty much covered in soot and so was I,” Warren said, recalling what happened.
Four days after the accident, Warren’s arms and hands are tightly secured in bandages. Skin is peeling off of his face.
“Second and third degree burns to my neck, face, forearms and fingers,” Warren told 10 On Your Side.
He’s taking it easy as he heals and is attending appointments at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital’s burn center every few days to change dressings and monitor his skin.
Warren said after the flash, he knew he was injured, but he wanted to make sure everyone else was out of harm’s way at the restaurant.
“After it happened, I ran down the ladder, ran down to the disconnect and shut power off to the building,” Warren said.
Warren said the full extent of his injuries are not yet known, but he hopes to return to work.
His family has set up a GoFundMe account to help with medical expenses.
The cause of the incident was determined to be because of an electrical issue.