Report finds `advanced decay,` wind led to collapse of 26 power poles in Tukwila

Seattle City Light CEO Debra Smith says changes are coming to how they maintain their power poles after an investigation shows decay and rot are part of what led to more than two dozen poles crashing to the ground. On April 5th, 26 power lines crashed onto East Marginal Way South in Tukwila right around rush hour. One of the poles smashed through a car, trapping a couple inside and sending them to the hospital. The incident also knocked power out to about 16,500 customers. We have a lot of work out in front of us, said Smith. She says several different things played into this dangerous incident. In the investigators report it states weather played a role in bringing the poles down. The report also says some of the power lines that went down were rotted, decayed and even had beetle infestations. In 2016, several of the 26 poles that failed had a rating that required replacement. But the investigation shows Seattle City Lights rating system needs to be changed.