Pattanakarn left without power as garbage truck goes on rampage
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A garbage truck caused a blackout along Pattanakarn Road after it rammed into roadside trees, overturned and toppled six power poles shortly after 3am yesterday.
Its allegedly drunk driver, Boonleu Montasuk, was not hurt, but the awnings of many roadside shops were ripped off and their signs knocked down.
Since the poles and trees blocked all outbound lanes and garbage from the truck was strewn all around, police had to use an inbound lane from Pattanakarn Soi 55 to 61 for outbound traffic.
Utility officials said it would take about a day to restore electricity for the community.
Boonleu, 41, a permanent employee of the Pathum Wan District Office, claimed a car suddenly cut in front of him, forcing him to swerve into the trees to avoid a collision.
“I am not drunk or anything,” he said.
When Boonleu was taken to Prawet Police Station and tested with a breathalyser, the results showed he had 219 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, well over the legal maximum of 50 milligrams, police said. Boonleu was charged with driving under the influence and causing property damage.
The accident took place while he was driving the truck from the Pathum Wan District Office to the On Nut Garbage Disposal Centre.
