UPDATE: Authorities suspect a snapped strap or bracket for the downing of utility cable that fell across Route 17 in Mahwah this afternoon, clotheslining an SUV.
“A preliminary cause although not confirmed is that a strap/bracket holding the cable to the utility pole may have broken and the entire cable came down under the weight,”Police Chief James Batelli told CLIFFVIEW PILOT.
The highway was partially reopened at 2:10 p.m. and was completely clear a little over a half-hour later.
No injuries were reported when the Verizon cable, containing thousands of wires, landed across the front of the SUV, stopping it in its tracks, smashing both headlights and damaging the grill near the West Ramapo Avenue overpass.
Mahwah police and firefighters initially responded, followed by Verizon, which the chief said was expected to work through the night.
PHOTO: Courtesy MAYOR W. LAFORET
