Myrtle Beach Faces Power Outage Following Vehicle Crash

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Utility crews responding to a power outage in Myrtle Beach after a vehicle collision.

News Summary

This Thursday morning, Myrtle Beach residents confronted an unexpected power outage after a vehicle collided with a utility pole near the Myrtle Beach International Airport. The crash left nearly 27,000 customers without electricity, causing significant traffic disruptions in the area. Emergency crews worked swiftly to restore power, with many residents urged to exercise caution during the blackout. The incident highlights ongoing traffic safety concerns in a busy area. Thankfully, power was largely restored within a few hours, making way for smoother travels ahead.

Myrtle Beach Faces Power Outage Following Vehicle Crash

In a startling turn of events this Thursday morning, residents of Myrtle Beach were awakened to unexpected darkness. A vehicle collided with a utility pole close to the Myrtle Beach International Airport, plunging tens of thousands into a power outage and causing significant traffic disruptions.

Major Incident at the Airport Area

The crash, reported by the South Carolina Department of Transportation, took place around 7:15 a.m. and created a ripple effect felt across Surfside Beach and Socastee. At the peak of the outage, approximately 26,970 customers of Santee Cooper were left without electricity. This unexpected incident certainly had many residents on edge as they tried to navigate their morning routines in the dark.

Traffic Headaches for Morning Commuters

Traffic cameras operated by the SCDOT caught a glimpse of the chaos ensuing on Highway 17 North near Harrelson Boulevard. The crash not only knocked out power but also created significant traffic backups that frustrated many commuters. With traffic lights down across Surfside Beach, local police were on hand, doing their best to direct cars safely through the intersections.

Power Restoration Efforts Underway

Response crews kicked into high gear following the incident. Santee Cooper quickly intervened, switching lines to restore power temporarily to different substations while waiting for the repair team. Thanks to their efforts, power was successfully restored to the majority of affected customers by around 8:40 a.m. Ongoing delays, however, continued to plague the surrounding roads.

Meanwhile, an additional 3,000 customers served by Horry Electric Cooperative faced similar power losses, but thankfully their service was restored a little earlier, at around 8:15 a.m. What started as a normal Thursday transformed into a logistical puzzle for many residents.

A Call for Caution

The incident definitely raises questions about traffic safety in the area surrounding the airport. With increased traffic flow come risks, and it seems that this particular stretch of road might require further scrutiny to prevent future occurrences. Residents are reminded to exercise caution when driving in blackout conditions, and it’s even more crucial to stay informed with local updates during such unexpected events.

Stay Informed and Prepared

For those who experienced disruptions in their morning routines, it’s a good reminder to stay informed. Local news updates are likely to provide ongoing coverage of incidents like this and keep residents abreast of any changes in traffic or power restoration efforts.

In the end, despite the chaos and disruption of the morning’s events, the swift actions of utility crews and law enforcement helped minimize the impact on the community. Here’s hoping for safer travels and smoother mornings ahead for everyone in Myrtle Beach!