Dew Days parade unit hits power line, parade stalls

• Photo: Power line accident

Farmington police sergeant Kevin Mincke and firefighter Jeff Albee surveyed the a semi truck caught a power line during Saturday's Dew Days parade.
• Photo: Power line accident

Excel Energy was called to the location of the accident following the parade. The pole will be replaced by Sunday.

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The Farmington Dew Days parade started off with a bang Saturday afternoon, as a semi truck caught a low-hanging power line about 15 minutes into the parade.

The Our Family Foods semi was the sixth unit in the Dew Days parade. It was nearing the alley by the Dakota County Library in Farmington when something on top of the semi's cab caught the low-hanging power line that stretched across Third Street. The contact caused a loud cracking noise which startled parade-goers who were sitting on Third Street between Spruce and Walnut.

At first, the semi continued to move forward, which started to pull the corner light pole over because the power line was connected to that pole. At the same time, the line apparently loosened from another pole closer to the library, which sent a series of sparks into the air.

The semi was following the Farmington Fire Department unit, which included several of the department's truck and staff. Police were also stationed at nearby corners, so emergency personnel were on the scene almost immediately.

Parade-goers were evacuated from the area of Third Street between Spruce and Walnut so police could rope off the area. No one was hurt in the incident.

The parade route was shortened by one block. Many of the parade-goers moved to new locations and the parade continued.

Excel Energy was called to the scene following the parade. Fire chief Tim Pietsch said the pole will be removed and replaced over night.

Tags: news, farmington, fire