Deadly Accident Involving Power Crew

An out of town crew working to restore power to a West Tulsa neighborhood was involved in a deadly accident on Sunday morning. Police say a utility truck accidentally hit and killed 79-year-old Floyd Crabtree. The accident happened in the 4300 block of West Easton. The News On 6's Ashli Sims reports police officers and power crews alike have been warning residents about the dangers of fallen power lines, but with thousands of crews on Tulsa streets reconnecting those lines can also be hazardous.

Police say Crabtree had just finished talking to a power crew, when the accident happened. Officers say the driver of the utility truck meant to pull forward, but ended up rolling backwards.

"Let the truck roll, when he put it in neutral and he said he felt something. Immediately put it back in drive and pulled forward a short distance. And then they got out and noticed the victim laying on the ground," said Tulsa Police Captain Eric Dalgleish.

Witnesses say Floyd Crabtree was walking back across the street, when he was hit. Crabtree was taken to the hospital, where he died.

"This is certainly a tragic incident. Very, very sad. And our hearts go out to everyone involved, the crew and the family," said PSO Spokesperson Stan Whiteford.

"These guys are just out here in large numbers. They're gonna be in every neighborhood. And I know they do a good job of trying to be vigilant and be as safe as they can. It's just an unfortunate accident," said Captain Dalgleish.

With thousands of crews on Tulsa streets it's a tragic reminder that you can never be too careful.

"There's a lot of dangerous work going on out there and just please stay clear of the crews," said Whiteford.

Whiteford says he believes this is the first accident involving the public, but he says many folks have been injured on the job, including one lineman who fell from a utility pole. That man walked away with only minor injuries.