Information from Alliant Energy, Tuesday, 3:00 p.m. :
Alliant Energy’s Justin Foss alerted NIT today that the downed pole was inspected within the last few years, and at that time, the pole was fine. He said Alliant is not sure yet what caused the pole to fail and fall over. He further stated that a new pole has already been installed at the site.
Alliant Energy reminds everyone to stay away from downed power lines. People can be shocked or electrocuted if they get to close to a live power line, on the ground or in the air. Call Alliant Energy at 1-800-ALLIANT (800-255-4268) if you see a downed power line.
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Update from Jody Spear and Kelly Meyer (Monday afternoon)-
MASON CITY – Around 1:00 p.m. an Alliant electric pole fell and hit the north side of the All Risk Insurance building at 1415 S. Monroe.
An employee, who was in the building at the time said, “It pretty much scared the crap out of me. It hit the building and broke the window. It was rotting wood. Bad maintenance.”
The electrical lines to the east were okay, but the west lines were pulled due to the weight of the fallen pole. The Manager of All Risk Insurance was at the scene, along with Alliant Energy.
MediaCom was also checking their lines down South Monroe.
The pole fell 2 ft from my office window. I went and looked at the pole after the power had been cut at the Monroe and 15th St intersection. The base of the pole was completely rotten. It wasn’t even that windy out when it fell. It did get windy about an hour and a half later, but at the time I would call it slightly breezy. All I know is I’m glad that pole wasn’t a little longer otherwise it would have come down on my head.
Poles don’t look that bad over night!! I’m sorry but that pole has been bad for years!! Let’s face it, lean isn’t always better. Service always suffers!!
Yes, the wind played a huge role BUT the wood on the poles were rotten. Now the Investigation is over!
Uh, it’s really effin windy out. Investigation over.
Uh,hey, Duh…It’s even windier out today and I haven’t heard of any downed poles. Like the article said, “bad maintenance”. I guess the investigation is not over!