BAKERSFIELD, CA-- A morning that started out with cheers suddenly turned to pain and horror as debris from the imploding Old Pacific Gas and Electric Plant hit people watching across the street.
"The piece of metal hit right below, it's inside my leg right here," said Fred Garten.
Debris also struck four other people, seriously injuring a 44-year-old Bakersfield man.
"The male sustained a complete amputation," said Lt. Scott Tunnicliffe, Bakersfield Police Department. "Apparent complete amputation of one leg and possible amputation of the second."
Debris skipped across the parking lot near Lowe's like stones on a pond, hitting cars near the entrance.
PG&E says the crowd near Lowe's should have been safe.
"Working with the demolition specialists, we established a 1,000 foot safety perimeter," said Denny Boyles, PG&E spokesman. "It appears they were outside that safety perimeter."
Even though he was struck by debris, Garten says he's not mad at PG&E.
"In my mind I took the risk and right or wrong, it was what it was," Garten said.
The 44 year old man whose leg was amputated was airlifted to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno.
No word yet if his second leg has to be amputated.
His name has not been released.