video by @wwltv
A power pole owned by Entergy fell outside a Kenner restaurant last week, resulting in a customer's car being crushed and significant disruption to the local business. The incident took place at the well-known Kenner Seafood on Loyola Drive, plunging the restaurant into darkness and creating an uncomfortable and potentially hazardous situation for both customers and staff.
Trudy Alexander, the owner of Kenner Seafood, revealed that she had reached out to Entergy at least three times in the past few years, alerting them to the dangerous lean of the pole caused by storm damage. However, she claims that the company informed her they could not take any action until the pole actually fell.
The collapse occurred during the busy lunch hour when the restaurant typically serves around 200 customers. The power pole fell with a resounding crash, severing the electricity supply and leaving the establishment in darkness. Surveillance video captured the moment the pole collapsed, and the subsequent footage showed the unfortunate customer's vehicle crushed under the weight of the pole, transformers, and wires.
In response to the incident, Kenner police shut down Loyola Drive. No one was permitted to enter or exit the restaurant due to concerns regarding live wires, effectively trapping customers and employees inside without air conditioning. Consequently, the business suffered significant losses, including spoiled seafood, unfulfilled takeout orders, video poker gaming revenue, and the wages of twelve employees. Power was ultimately restored at 8:45 pm that evening.
Entergy Louisiana issued a statement explaining that they are collaborating with officials to ascertain why the pole fell and conducting an internal investigation to determine whether appropriate measures were taken. They asserted that it is not their policy to ignore leaning poles or leave them unrepaired. Regarding compensation for the damaged vehicle and business losses, Entergy stated that they will make a decision after completing their investigation.
Although no one was injured during the incident, it left customers and staff feeling shaken and upset. The event underscores the significance of promptly addressing potential hazards and maintaining open communication between utility companies and businesses. The local community will be closely monitoring Entergy's handling of the situation as they await answers and possible compensation for the damage caused.
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