Best Way sues over truck damage from low power lines

The Best Way Foundation is suing over damage allegedly sustained by one of its trucks by dangerously low lines over 17th Street.

Best Way, based in Belleville, claims that AT&T allowed a telephone line that crossed 17th Street to hang lower than 18 feet, in violation of the Illinois Administrative Code.

"Defendant allowed a dangerous condition to exist by allowing a power line to hang at an unsafe height that crossed the roadway after having been warned of the dangerous condition," the complaint says.

Because of AT&T's alleged negligence, the plaintiff has sustained damage to its vehicle in the amount of $57,545.41, the lawsuit claims.

The three-count lawsuit also names the Illinois Department of Transportation as a defendant. One of the lines that allegedly damaged one of its trucks belonged to St. Clair County.

Also named in the suit is Ameren CIPS, which owns the poles and the power lines along 17th Street. The company allowed AT&T and the Department of Transportation to place utility lines on its poles.

"Ameren CIPS was notified on several occasions that the power lines located on their poles were unsafe and dangerously low where those lines crossed 17th Street," the complaint says.

Representing Best Way is St. Louis attorney H. Edward Ryals. They are asking for a trial by jury.