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Mar 30, 2023

Con Ed: Truck carrying small crane knocks down several power lines in Queens

By Alice Gainer Updated on: May 30, 2023 / 7:47

By Alice Gainer

Updated on: May 30, 2023 / 7:47 PM / CBS New York

NEW YORK -- Cleanup and repairs were taking place Tuesday in Jamaica, Queens, after a truck snagged some overhead wires and brought down multiple telephone poles.

It happened shortly after 9 a.m. on 101st Avenue between Remington and Brisbin streets.

CBS2 spoke with a business owner along the stretch of road who said he knew something like this was going to happen, and he claims he called multiple agencies last week about what he felt were low-hanging wires.

The NYPD says a truck carrying construction equipment with a crane was driving on 101st Avenue when it took down overhead wires, which then pulled a utility pole down and caused two others to lean.

"All of a sudden, this morning we heard a very big noise," said Lakhwnder Multani, owner of 101 Plumbing and Electrical Supply.

He said photos taken last week show what he thought were low-hanging wires.

"We did notify 911, NYPD, Fire Department on Thursday last week, Friday and Saturday and Verizon. I was on FaceTime with them," Multani said. "I did everything I can."

His employee backed him up.

"We knew it gonna happen one day. You know what I'm saying? We were complaining. So, I don't know. Nobody listening. Now everybody come," Varinder Singh said.

They said they're grateful no one was injured.

"We were outside working. We got lucky nothing happened," Singh said.

A neighbor was home at the time and noted the inconvenience with the road closed all day and power out for some.

"I actually work at the restaurant down the street and I think they're still closed for the day because nobody can get through," Caitlin Goncalves said.

The FDNY said it received a call at around 2 p.m. last Wednesday for low wires, investigated and made notification to utilities. Con Edison says its electrical wires are above telephone wires.

CBS2 reached out to Verizon, which did answer when asked about whether it was notified about low wires, saying, in part, "Verizon has dispatched a work crew to 101st Avenue and Sanders Place to assist Con Ed as they work to finish repairs. Once the electrical lines have been fixed, our crews will work quickly to assess our existing cables and complete any required repairs. We apologize for any inconvenience this is causing."

Con Ed says 14 customers are still without power.

Alice Gainer joined CBS2 as a reporter and anchor in January 2013. She covers breaking, feature and general assignment stories.

First published on May 30, 2023 / 10:16 AM

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