Aberdeen experienced a power outage late Sunday evening when a truck collided with a utility pole and a local restaurant, causing disruption and subsequent response by emergency services. According to Sandhills Sentinel, a white Dodge pickup truck left a nearby restaurant and careened off Poplar Street, striking a power pole before slamming into Mac’s Breakfast Anytime on U.S. 1. The impact led two transformers to catch fire, alongside a nearby dumpster.
Authorities reported to the scene where the truck, which had previously left a local eatery, caused power outages affecting residents and businesses in multiple blocks, including the flickering of lights at a Walmart store. "The Aberdeen Fire Department arrived on the scene and quickly got the fire under control," detailed the Sentinel's coverage. An article about the incident by CBS 17 specified that after the fire was extinguished, one passenger trapped inside the vehicle was able to safely exit, unharmed.
Following the crash, Duke Energy promptly disconnected power in the surrounding areas due to the risk posed by the damaged equipment and downed power lines. In the chaos, one individual was seen fleeing the scene, and the Aberdeen Police later arrested this person approximately a mile from the location of the crash, according to information obtained by Sandhills Sentinel. A later report by WRAL captured the extent of the event through a bystander's video, which revealed a large fire resulting from the downed power lines.
As the investigation unfolded, the Aberdeen Police Department confirmed in a statement according to CBS 17 that "the driver fled before officers arrived," and was subsequently identified by the passengers. No other injuries were reported in connection with the accident.
