Driver Charged In Vine St. Power-Line Wreck

A dump truck knocked down power lines at the intersection of Vine Street and Old Furnace Road this morning, interrupting electric power to area residents. (Photo by Nikki Fox/DN-R)

HARRISONBURG —  The driver of the dump truck that knocked down power lines at the intersection of Vine Street and Old Furnace Road has been charged in the unusual crash, the city said.

Dorman Mongold, 64, of Fulks Run, was charged with reckless driving, failure to secure load, and defective equipment, according to a statement. The truck was headed north on Vine Street when its raised bed snagged utility lines and traffic signals. The crash sent parts of traffic lights crashing to the ground, damaged a utility pole and snapped numerous power lines, leaving them dangling down toward the street below.

The truck belongs to Superior Concrete.

Greg Arey, manager of construction and operations for HEC, said 1,300 customers  lost power after the 8 a.m. incident. But power was restored by noon.