ADAIR COUNTY, Mo. — A series of incidents involving downed power poles have left some residents in Adair County and West Plains, Missouri, without electricity on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. The first incident occurred around 4:15 p.m. on State Highway 11, approximately 6.5 miles southwest of Kirksville, where a single-vehicle crash resulted in a power pole being struck.
According to KTVO, a state trooper at the scene reported that a black SUV was traveling eastbound on the highway when the 33-year-old female driver from La Plata, Missouri, fell asleep behind the wheel. The vehicle veered off the road and collided with a power pole, leading to power outages in the area.
Fortunately, the driver was unharmed and was wearing her seatbelt at the time of the accident. Tri-County Electric promptly responded to the scene to assess the damage to the power lines along the highway. Their efforts were crucial in determining the extent of the outages and restoring power to affected residents.
Simultaneously, in West Plains, another incident involving a downed electric pole caused power outages in a different section of the city. Crews were dispatched to the scene on Holiday Lane, where traffic was closed from Girdley to the Police Department due to the fallen pole.
This incident further compounded the challenges faced by local residents as they dealt with the aftermath of the crash in Adair County. Crews worked diligently to replace the downed pole and restore electricity to the affected area.
As the day unfolded, the impact of these incidents highlighted the importance of road safety and the potential dangers posed by driver fatigue. The Adair County crash serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance when driving, especially on highways where the consequences of a momentary lapse in attention can be significant.
Residents in both Adair County and West Plains are urged to stay updated on the restoration efforts and to exercise caution while traveling through areas affected by the outages and ongoing work.
In light of these events, local authorities emphasize the importance of community awareness regarding road safety and the need for residents to report any downed power lines or hazardous conditions promptly. Such vigilance can help prevent further accidents and ensure the safety of all road users.
As power restoration efforts continue, residents are advised to prepare for potential outages and to check on neighbors who may require assistance during this time. The community's resilience and cooperation will be vital in overcoming the challenges posed by these incidents.
In summary, the events of April 2, 2025, serve as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of road safety and electrical infrastructure. As both communities work towards recovery, the commitment to safety and preparedness will remain paramount.
