Squirrel knocks out power to DT La Follette

News / Sports / March 25, 2021March 25, 2021

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Just before 10:30 am Wednesday, the electricity in Downtown La Follette went out.

You can see in the photo where the arc caused black marks on the steel.

LUB crews restored power in just a few minutes. However, in the mean time, computer screens all over town went dark and traffic lights were colorless.

This squirrel was caught “dead handed” after kicking off the power to Downtown La Follette on Wednesday morning. LUB General Manager Kenny Baird found the culprit’s remains upon arrival to the substation.

The manager of LUB, Kenny Baird, said, “A squirrel got into the electrical substation on North Indiana Avenue and soon met his Waterloo. He climbed up on the energized bus, raising up and touching the steel above him.” (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 03/25/2021-6AM)