The survivor, Fatu Matagi, 28, of Salt Lake City, was conscious and talking when he was flown in serious condition to the University Hospital burn unit with electrical shock injuries to his arms and legs, according to Unified Fire Authority spokesman Jay Fearnley.

Stephen G. Vlamakis, 26, of Helper, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 11:43 a.m. accident left Vlamakis and Matagi dangling from a transformer and power lines about 15 to 20 feet above ground, Fearnley said.

Pat Carrillo, who lives across the street from where the accident happened, said she was in her craft room when the power in her home went off.

She said she looked out the window and saw two men hanging from the wooden power pole just a few feet apart from each other, with Matagi directly above Vlamakis.

"The gentleman on the bottom was not moving," Carrillo said as tears began to well in her eyes. "The gentleman above was upside down. He was moving his arms back and forth and he was moaning."

By the time fire crews arrived, a third worker had already rigged rescue lines and was attempting to help the men, Fearnley said. It took about 45 minutes to free the two men and get them to the ground, Fearnley said.

The men work for Mountain Power, a subcontractor to Rocky Mountain Power. They were performing routine maintenance on a pole in a backyard near 4100 South and 1400 East. The lines can carry 7,200 volts, said Margaret Oler, Rocky Mountain Power spokeswoman.

Fearnley said it was unclear whether the victims had touched a transformer or power line.

Gabe Vlamakis, Stephen Vlamakis' father, said his son graduated from Carbon High School in 2000. He loved hunting and fishing and enjoyed spending time with friends.

Gabe Vlamakis and his wife were at home when Mountain Power representatives called and told them of the accident involving their son.

Stephen Vlamakis had worked for Mountain Power for about two years and was following in his father's footsteps. Gabe Vlamakis said he has been employed by Rocky Mountain Power for 37 years. Stephen Vlamakis has a brother who is 11 years younger than he is.

jbergreen@sltrib.com