Update: City garbage truck responsible for power outages
Published 12:55 pm Friday, June 14, 2024
- The Athens Police Department is announcing its Athens Community Eagle Watch Program to help gather video footage.
According to the City of Athens facebook page, power lines are down at Jefferson Street and Highway 72 along as Lucas Ferry Road and Highway 72.
They have cautioned all pedestrians to avoid these areas while they are down.
Athens police captain Brett Constable released the following statement:
“Please avoid US 72 between Jefferson Street and Lucas Ferry Road. A truck has pulled down the power lines and several traffic signals are down.”
Update at 4:00 p.m.
Anthony Pressnell, Athens police chief, talked to The News Courier about the unexpected power outages Friday afternoon.
“A city truck went and dumped at the landfill, and the back of the truck hit the red lights at three different intersections on its way back,” Pressnell said. “That’s what caused the outage.”
The accident took down power lines of three major intersections, knocking the power out of traffic signals, homes and businesses.
Pressnell also explained that he has been in communication with Athens Utilities, noting that they have the situation already remedied.
