Marietta police say the driver of a white 1999 Ford F-150 was traveling east on Allgood Road when he crossed the westbound lanes and left the roadway. The truck vaulted off an embankment, overturned through the fence line of the sub-station and severely damaged five voltage regulators at 12:53 p.m. Power was restored by 4 p.m., said Marietta Power General Manager Bob Lewis.
The voltage regulators are filled with oil to keep them cool. Had there been a spark in the wrong place, there could have been an explosion, Lewis said.
"I don't know how the guy got out alive," Lewis said.
Marietta Fire Department and Marietta Power staff immediately responded to the scene to secure the power equipment and safely extricate the entrapped driver.
The station was shut down and power was rerouted through other stations. The damage could take weeks to months to repair, Lewis said.
"We're just fortunate there was not a spark or fire because we could have lost the entire substation and the gentleman could have lost his life," Lewis said.
The driver was flown by helicopter to Atlanta Medical Center for treatment.
His condition at the scene was serious but stable. His name is being withheld pending the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer J.P. Rutland at (770) 794-5364.
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