A powerline worker was killed in Johnston County, North Carolina after a truck collided with low-hanging wires late Wednesday, October 29.
What happened: Around 5:20 p.m. on Live Oak Church Road near Carmil Drive, repair crews were working on electrical lines. A flatbed truck carrying a water tank ignored a stop signal from traffic control and went forward, becoming entangled in the wires.
- The wires caused 29-year-old James P. Rudzki, a technician with Pike Electric, to fall to the ground.
- Rudzki died from his injuries at the scene.
- The truck driver left before emergency crews arrived.
Investigation and arrest: Troopers tracked down the driver the next day. 44-year-old Ronald Thomas Mayo of Smithfield was arrested and charged with felony hit and run involving death. He is being held in the Johnston County Detention Center, according to ABC11.
Pike Electric said they're investigating and are providing support for staff who worked with Rudzki. No further details on court dates have been released.