Crash disrupts area businesses

Semi pulls into lot, shears off utility pole, hits business

CHAMPION - A chaotic scene unfolded in Champion when a semi-truck sheared off a utility pole, causing a chemical spill and damaging the exterior of Fat Cats Tattoo parlor.

Several area businesses had to close and road closures were set up in the area of State Road at Mahoning Avenue about 7:45 a.m.

Champion fire Chief Thomas Dempsey said the driver was looking for diesel fuel and did not think he could pull into a nearby Speedway gas station. When the man pulled back onto State Road he attempted to turn into the parking lot that houses the Fat Cats Tattoo parlor -- but took out a utility pole in the process.

Dempsey said the man continued driving into the pole, which came down and ruptured a transformer. This caused fluid to leak and created a spill that crews worked to keep from a storm drain that leads to a water supply.

The driver pulled around the back of the building and tried to exit the lot but instead, Dempsey said, the man's trailer collided with the side of the building -- tearing the trailer after he continued to drive through for about 20 feet.

Reports indicate the truck driver was in his first week on the job, and was heard by onlookers calling the accident a "rookie mistake."

The damage cut off the power feed to nearby business including a Fat Cats, Diary Queen and Hair Way to Heaven Salon.

Underwood Towing was able to remove the truck, which had gotten caught on the awning.

A company called SpillTech was called by Ohio Edison as a cleanup team.

An apprentice at Fat Cats, Grace Wheeler, said she was heading to work when she heard about the crash.

As Wheeler and other tattoo shop employees waited for the cleanup and a temporary repair of the shop's porch, they estimated the damage at $30,000 to $40,000.

But Dempsey expects the total damage to be "much higher."

No injuries were reported including to the driver, who was issued a citation by police.