SOUTHWICK – While trying to plow the streets during the snow fall early on Wednesday morning, a Southwick DPW operator faced a serious mechanical failure with a highway truck.
According to the Southwick Police Department, the operator, Scott Martin, was plowing Vining Hill Road at around 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning and they reported the incident as follows:
A Southwick Highway Department vehicle suffered a mechanical failure early Wednesday morning. (Photo courtesy of Southwick Police Department)
“The driveshaft dropped to the ground and dug into the roadway launching the rear of the truck into the air. The force of the impact tore the rear wheels right out from underneath the truck. Martin did everything he could to keep the truck under control and on the roadway until he could get it stopped. Fortunately, the truck did stay on the roadway and did not strike anything or anyone.”
The post added that while Martin was very shaken up by the incident, he didn’t face any injuries. As for the truck, which is a 2000 Sterling dump truck, it was loaded with about seven tons of salt. The truck suffered serious damage to drive train as well as the rear end, brake lines, suspension, wheels, and all electrical components.
DPW Director Randy Brown said that a mechanic took a look at the truck after the incident occurred on Wednesday morning and there is no word yet on how long the truck could be out of commission or how much it could cost.
“We need to do some more digging on it and some research,” said Brown.
Brown added that the truck is a part of his FY19 proposed budget in which he wants to replace that truck with a brand new vehicle that the DPW would purchase.
