Semi Truck Accident Involving Utility Pole Has Portion of 259 Shut Down, No Injuries

***UPDATE: Local officials reported that the road was reopened at 10:54pm; however, there is still a line down across 259. It is only a communication line that officials say is of no danger to the public. Drivers are still encouraged to slow down and treat the line as a speed bump until it can be removed.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Emergency workers have shut down KY HWY 259 near the Rocky Hill crossroads at Villa Drive as a result of a semi truck accident involving several utility poles.

The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office reported that Frank Dewayne Cowles, 42, a driver for ATIC Trucking in Bowling Green was headed north on 31W when he turned left into the former Crossroads Market parking lot. Locals said Mr. Cowles, who is an experienced driver, regularly parks in the lot. 

Apparently there were low-lying fiber-optic cables that Mr. Cowles did not see and his truck made contact with the lines as he started into the parking lot. The lines hung on the truck and the semi drug the lines through the lot, breaking three different utility poles in the process. Several on scene said the lines are normally not at such a low level. The reason for the misplaced lines was unknown.

WRECC and Windstream crews were on scene assessing the damage which was extensive. No electric service was disrupted as the damaged WRECC line was a back-up only. Windstream crews, however were estimated to to work through the night in order to restore telephone and internet to the area north of the crossroads, including the Edmonson County Industrial Park.

Cables were wrapped around the semi's tires.

Mr. Cowles, who started his day in Florida this morning said, "I just had a feeling this was going to be a bad day. I knew I should've stayed in Florida." Cowles was cited for careless driving. Local law enforcement said the truck drug the lines and broken poles 150ft before noticing.

No injuries were reported at the scene. 

Also responding was the Rocky Hill Fire Department, KSP, and the Dist 2 Constable.

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