Dump truck downs lines in Hamlet; road closed

HAMLET — Traffic has been diverted all day through one section of the Seaboard City after a dump truck brought down utility lines.

According to the Hamlet Police Department, the driver of a dump truck pulled out of the parking lot of the Refuel station on Spring Street (U.S. 74 Business) just after 5 a.m. Tuesday with the bed raised, ripping down the power lines and breaking three poles.

Police say Duke Energy had to be called in to cut the power, as the truck was in the road with lines caught between the bed and cab of the truck.

The driver was able to get out of the truck unharmed, police say.

The road was shut down from Raleigh Street to Hamlet City Lake, with traffic being diverted down Hamlet Avenue.

As of 3:40 p.m., the section of road was still closed as crews worked on replacing the poles. Police said they were told it would take “a few more hours” before the job was complete.

No injuries or other damage were reported.

Police say the driver was cited for careless and reckless driving, having no operator’s license, and having no commercial endorsement (CDL).