Entergy crews are on the scene of a power outage in Metairie after an 18-wheeler struck a power pole on Veterans Boulevard.
The incident happened around 11 a.m.
Around 600 Entergy customers are currently without power.
An 18-wheeler struck a power line in Metairie on Friday morning, snapping a power pole and causing a power outage that forced several businesses in a shopping plaza near Veterans Boulevard and Downes Road to close for the day.
Entergy crews have replaced the damaged pole and are working to install another to restore power to the area.
Tire shop owner Sam Abuathieth described the moment the truck hit the pole. “I seen sparks flying on the inside of the building, so I’m thinking something from us,” he said. “Then I run outside and all I see is smoke and back-up traffic. And, you know, it’s just unfortunate.”
The outage has left many business owners and employees struggling to adapt. “Losing people as well to not come into the restaurant. It’s, you know, it’s a lot, especially on us because, I mean, big parties especially. I mean, you know, that’s how we make our tips and stuff,” one restaurant worker said.
Another business owner, who recently opened their shop, shared their frustration. “I just opened up about a month ago. My compressor’s out. I can’t work, so I feel like this is definitely a disadvantage to a business that just opened up,” they said.
Video from the scene showed a generator leaking fluid around 1:30 p.m. as crews worked to move the fractured pole. Entergy reported that around noon, approximately 1,300 customers were without power in the area. By late afternoon, that number had been reduced to 600.
“We had a private party tonight, and now we don’t know if we’re going to be able to do that. So we’re just waiting to see what’s going to happen,” another business owner said.
Entergy stated that power is expected to be fully restored to the remaining customers by 8 p.m. Friday.
R+L Carriers, the company connected to the 18 wheeler has yet to respond to WDSU’s request for comment.
READ MORE:18-wheeler strikes power pole, knocks out power to 650 Entergy customers in Metairie
