SDG&E found negligent in Pendleton helo crash

[unhappycamper]

SDG&E found negligent in Pendleton helo crash
The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Sep 5, 2008 7:06:52 EDT

SAN DIEGO — A jury Wednesday found San Diego Gas & Electric negligent in the deaths of four Marines who were killed when their helicopter hit an unlit utility tower on Camp Pendleton in 2004.

Jurors awarded more than $15 million in economic damages in a wrongful-death lawsuit brought by the families of the Marines.

The jury found the utility failed to install safety lights to prevent accidents and that two of SDG&E’s representatives acted with malice by not ordering the installation of lights or markers on the tower.

The jury determined that the parents of all four Marines should receive $2.125 million in damages in the wrongful-death case. Jurors also found the wife of one the Marines, 1st Lt. Michael S. Lawlor, was entitled to $6.7 million.

The accident occurred Jan. 22, 2004, when two helicopter crews were practicing nighttime maneuvers. The crews were using night-vision goggles.


Rest of article at: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2008/09/ap_crash_negligent_090308/%2e

[Kind of Blue]

1. as well as

the Public Utilities Commission report finds several of last falls wildfires was caused by Cox Communications lashing wire that contacted an SDG&E conductor and another fire was caused when a tree fell onto SDG&Es conductors. So far, I believe, 4 of last falls wildfires were caused by SDG&E improperly maintaining its conductors. And the same PUC is allowing another SDG&E rate hike. It's so disgusting it makes my head swim.