Classes at Wake Tech resume after power outage

Garner, N.C. — A pickup truck hit a pole along U.S. Highway 401 in Wake County Tuesday, knocking out power to the immediate area, including Wake Technical Community College, and closing the highway.

Wake Tech initially canceled afternoon classes until 5 p.m. because of the power outage, but spokeswoman Laurie Clowers said power had been restored by 1:30 p.m. and the schedule had returned to normal.

State troopers and fire personnel were investigating the wreck. The number and extent of injuries was not released.

Troopers said the pickup was headed toward Fuquay-Varina when it hit  the pole, then ran into a tree. Power lines that fell sparked a fire in the median, but firefighters put that out quickly.

Utility crews estimated it would take several hours to reset the pole.

Northbound traffic was being diverted onto Banks Road, and southbound traffic was routed through a nearby parking lot to get around the repair work.