January 12, 1971

Icy weather factor in crashes, blackouts

       Icy weather was at least partly to blame for a massive power blackout in Johnson County, the closing of three school systems and a rash of traffic accidents over a 12-hour period Tuesday and today.  Several hundred White River Township homes were left without electrical power Tuesday night when a car crashed into a utility pole on Smith Valley Road and downed several high-voltage power lines.  The electrical arc from the downed power lines could be seen from as far away as Greenwood.  The car was driven by John Tumey, 19, Greenwood Route 3.  White River Township firemen said they received two reports of electrical fires in homes within 10 minutes of the crash on Smith Valley Road.  The White River Township Fire Department responded on a total of 7 small fires and two smoke investigations throughout the evening.  (Courtesy of the Daily Journal)
 

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