Three people were brought to hospital after being critically injured by an “electrical incident” at the Google data center in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

The patients are awake and talking, but were rushed to the Nebraska Medical Center in critical condition – with one taken by helicopter due to their condition.

“We are aware of an electrical incident that took place today at Google’s data center in Council Bluffs, Iowa, injuring three people onsite who are now being treated,” Google said in a statement.

“The health and safety of all workers is our absolute top priority, and we are working closely with partners and local authorities to thoroughly investigate the situation and provide assistance as needed.”

It is believed three electricians were working on a substation close to the main data center when an arc flash electrical explosion caused major burns.