Truck damages GPL network in Ruimveldt

…driver, 2 porters arrested, granted $100,000 bail each

A truck damaging a section of the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) network in Ruimveldt, Georgetown, on Tuesday afternoon resulted in an electricity interruption, with the driver and two porters later taken into Police custody and each placed on $100,000 station bail.
According to GPL, the vehicle, bearing registration number GYY 5259, was travelling north along La Penitence Public Road when it turned west and became entangled with overhead telephone cables.
The incident caused damage to GPL’s network and interrupted electricity service to customers in the area. It also disrupted the flow of traffic, causing a backup of traffic in the area.
GPL said its response teams were immediately dispatched to the scene and carried out remedial works, restoring electricity approximately one hour after the incident.
The driver and the two porters associated with the vehicle were subsequently taken into Police custody and each placed on $100,000 station bail. A report was also lodged at the Ruimveldt Police Station, with investigations ongoing.
GPL said it was concerned about the frequency of incidents involving vehicles and its network infrastructure, and urged vehicle operators to exercise caution when manoeuvring near utility infrastructure.
The company advised drivers and operators to assess their surroundings and ensure adequate clearance from overhead cables and other infrastructure before manoeuvring.
GPL warned that damage to its network can result in electricity interruptions, costly repairs and serious safety risks to utility workers, motorists and members of the public.