News

WEU employees OK after truck hydroplanes, overturns

The WEU pickup rolled at least once before coming to a rest on its side.

By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer

Two West Escambia Utilities employees escaped with only minor injuries last Thursday, June 30, after the company pickup in which they were traveling hit a puddle, ran off rain-slick U.S. 31 and overturned.
The mishap occurred between 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., about a half-mile west of Atmore Country Club.
WEU General Manager Kenny Smith said at the scene that the driver, identified by state troopers as Ryan Norman of Flomaton, was uninjured. Smith said an employee who was a passenger in the truck was “shaken up” and was taken by ambulance to Atmore Community Hospital as a precaution. He was reportedly treated at the local medical center and released.
Norman reportedly told emergency personnel that the truck hydroplaned during the most active part of a thunderstorm that moved through the area Thursday morning. The westbound truck slid across the highway and onto the eastern shoulder, where it reportedly rolled at least once before skidding to a rest on its passenger side.
The truck was heavily damaged, possibly totaled.
“It could have been a lot worse,” Smith said. “I’m just glad they’re not hurt too bad.”