Dump truck in Howard County takes out power lines

ELKRIDGE, Md. - A dump truck that had its bed in the air traveled about a quarter mile while damaging power lines and power poles in Howard County on Tuesday, according to police.

Howard County police said a truck doing construction work in the area was traveling along Washington Boulevard (Route 1) in Elkridge with its bed in the air, causing extensive damage to power lines.

Authorities closed Washington Boulevard in both directions between Troy Hill Drive and Route 100 as crews responded to repair the power poles. Northbound traffic was being diverted to Route 100 heading eastbound and southbound traffic was being ordered to turn around at Troy Hill Drive.

Residents in a neighborhood off of Amberton Drive were not allowed to leave or return to their neighborhood due to safety concerns.

Officials said the area could be closed until 3:30 p.m. Police said no injuries had been reported.