LOWNDES COUNTY, Ga. — Three people are recovering in the hospital after a freak accident involving a power pole in south Georgia.
The incident happened Monday afternoon as first responders were working a downed power pole on Madison Highway in Valdosta.
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A police officer was directing traffic around the downed line, and firefighters were attempting to secure the line. At one point, a semi-truck driving through it accidentally snagged the line, yanking it and breaking the power pole. The pole then shot across the road, hitting three firefighters and one police officer.
The injured were taken to South Georgia Medical Center for treatment.
The police officer suffered serious injuries, including to his face. One firefighter suffered injuries to his leg, which caused doctors to amputate below the knee. The other firefighters are being treated.
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“This is a tragic situation, and it shows the family that we have in the city. The community support that we’ve been getting has been incredible,” said Valdosta Police Chief Leslie Manahan.
Authorities have not yet released the names of the injured.
A fund has been set up at Guardian Bank to help with medical expenses.
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Press Conference with Police Chief Leslie Manahan and Fire Chief Brian Boutwell on the Monday, July 12 - Madison Highway Incident.
Posted by Valdosta Police Department on Tuesday, July 13, 2021
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