This Kentucky Service and Mine Supply truck flipped after its driver veered to avoid cars stopped in front of it in the sudden thunderstorm that caused flash flooding across Perry County. (photo by Bailey Richards)
HAZARD — Two men felt the effects of Thursday’s thunderstorm when the severe weather caused a chain reaction, leading the driver of a mine supply truck to flip the truck as he attempted to keep from hitting other vehicles.
As the water quickly came up Thursday afternoon during a sudden thunderstorm, many people found themselves caught in a flash flood. Even after several weeks of hot and dry weather, the ground was unable to absorb all of the rain as quickly as it fell. This caused waters to rush across the roads.
All across the region trees were knocked down, taking power lines with them. Rock and mudslides along with rushing creeks coming over streets closed many roads in a short period of time. One such road was Highway 80 where rocks and water made the on ramp from Highways 15 north impassable.
As drivers began to see the water coming up, many of them reacted by slowing or stopping, which apparently caused an accident involving a Kentucky Service and Mine Supply truck.
“There were three or four vehicles that were locked, they were locking it dead,” said Van Hanes, the driver of the truck.
He said his truck was empty, making it hard to get enough traction to stop without hitting the cars in front of him.
“I cut it and when I cut it, the water was here and it just threw me into a spin,” said Hanes.
He said at the time the truck began to spin, his only concern was making sure that he did not hit anyone else. “I kept it from bouncing back to hit somebody,” he said. “I have driven trucks all my life, and I took the lick myself.”
Hanes and his passenger both sustained minor injuries, however, they both refused transport to the hospital. The accident closed down Highway 80 west for a while on Thursday afternoon.
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