Login

Car accident leaves Gallup without power

Print

Power to residents in the west part of Gallup was disrupted the night of April 17 and the morning of April 18 when an automobile struck an electric pole on West Historic Highway 66.

The accident also crossed down that portion of the highway for more than two hours.

Richard Matzke, electric department director for the city, said the accident occurred about 4 pm near the Allison Crossing turnoff and disrupted electric service to customers from that area all the way to the west end of town.

The electric department crew was able to get electric service to customers up to the Gallup Airport by 7 pm but the customers west of the airport were without electricity until about 8:10 am April 18.

Gallup Police Captain Marinda Spencer said the accident occurred when the driver of the vehicle dropped something and was bending down to pick it up when he struck the utility pole and knocked it down.

Alcohol was not a factor in the accident, she said. The driver was cited for careless driving and released.

Share/Save/Bookmark