A tractor-trailer snared power lines at the Binghamton Plaza, causing a utility pole to snap and cutting off electricity to businesses.

Authorities say the apparently confused driver was trying to turn the big rig around behind the plaza complex on West State Street when things went awry around 4:30 p.m. Thursday.

Electric lines were yanked down and a pole broke in half just a few yards from the pedestrian walkway along the Chenango River.

A NYSEG worker assesses the situation at the Binghamton Plaza. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
A NYSEG worker assesses the situation at the Binghamton Plaza. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Police and firefighters stood by to keep people away from the energized power lines until a NYSEG crew arrived.

Fire department Captain J.C. Colling said there was some damage to a service room in the Rent-A-Center store. An electric panel also was damaged. He said Rent-A-Center and a neighboring pet store lost power.

Acrid smoke spread around the scene as arcing occurred near transformers on a nearby pole.

Colling said firefighters went onto the roof above the businesses to ascertain whether there was any fire damage. He said no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

It was not known whether police planned to issue any tickets to the truck driver.

Police officers and a truck driver at the Binghamton Plaza after power lines and a pole were brought down by the truck on May 10, 2018. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Police officers and a truck driver at the Binghamton Plaza after power lines and a pole were brought down by the truck on May 10, 2018. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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