Truck hits power pole, downtown lights go out
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, July 20, 2016
- A light pole dangles above the ground near Jefferson and Wall streets after a truck hit it Tuesday afternoon, causing a power outage in Natchez.
NATCHEZ — The driver of a pickup truck that crashed into a power pole — knocking out power for much of downtown — Tuesday afternoon reportedly fled the scene after the crash.
Natchez Police Detective Jerry Ford said a gold Dodge truck allegedly crashed into a power pole at approximately 2:30 p.m. near the corner of Jefferson and Wall streets.
The crash knocked out power for 560 Entergy customers in the area, as well as downtown traffic lights, some of which remained off as of 10 p.m.
Natchez Entergy Customer Service Manager Tim Runnels said the crash damaged some power lines, and crews worked to switch lines to reconnect service for customers. Power was restored, but a fuse blew shortly after, causing another power outage.
As of 7:45 p.m., approximately 180 customers remained without power. Runnels estimed those customers’ power would be restored by 10:30 p.m.
Police are searching for the truck’s driver, who could be facing charges of leaving the scene of an accident and property damage, Ford said.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 601-442-5000. Crime Stoppers offers a reward of up to $1,000 for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect. Calls are anonymous.