A vehicle traveling west on State Highway 178 just east of the Grover Township Fire Department in Lakeview Thursday afternoon was struck by a falling tree. The tree blocked the highway and pulled down cable television lines. However, the driver, who was reportedly traveling alone, was not injured.
Baxter County Office of Emergency Management Director Jim Sierzcula says rain was a contributing factor to the large tree falling, noting it appeared to be decaying and had taken on a large amount of water from the heavy rainfall.
Sierzcula says a passing motorist reported the incident about 3:00 p.m.
Grover Township firemen responded to the incident, along with personnel from the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office, Arkansas State Police, Lakeview Police Department, Arkansas Highway Department, and the cable company. Sierzcula says North Arkansas Electric Cooperative personnel also responded to ensure electrical lines were not involved.
The accident is being investigated by the Arkansas State Police. No other details have been made available, including the identity of the driver.
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