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One vehicle was entangled in lines, no injuries reported

 

TRYON—On Sunday, December 29, a chaotic scene unfolded between Tryon and Columbus on NC Highway 108, Lynn Road, as fallen trees and a utility pole completely blocked the roadway, caused by heavy rain and gusty winds 

Three trees crashed down, striking two utility poles and snapping them. A tornado watch was in effect in the area Sunday morning.

According to officials, as the trees fell, a vehicle became entangled in the live power lines that landed precariously between the driver’s side exterior mirror and the windshield. The driver, an elderly individual, was trapped and unable to exit the vehicle due to the dangerous condition.

The Tryon Fire Department responded promptly with two units, led by Captain Jackson Tipton, who assumed the role of Incident Commander. Captain Tipton recognized the immediate dangers posed by the live wires to the driver and first responders and acted quickly to ensure that Duke Power was notified of the emergency. Fire crews remained on the scene until Duke Power could arrive, which took approximately 40 minutes. 

Once they confirmed that the power had been de-energized, the fire department could safely extricate the driver and their vehicle without harm. Following the successful rescue, Duke Power was given the area. Duke Power dispatched its own traffic crews to redirect traffic around the site while the transmission lines were repaired.

“This incident illustrates the rapid and skilled assessment that responders brought to the scene,” said TFD Public Information Officer Steven Siler. “We know it is never fun to be stuck in traffic, but we urge the public to refrain from attempting to go around or under fallen trees on roadways. Our citizens’ and responders’ safety is always our number one priority.”

As cleanup efforts continued, local authorities reminded residents to use caution during adverse weather conditions and to take immediate action to report dangerous situations to emergency services.