Published: September 18, 2007 03:53 pm      

Blame it on bees

Stung worker caused 911 service outage

San Marcos — Was it a case of the cable killer bees?

Authorities said Tuesday's widespread long-distance and cell phone service outtage was caused when a worker, stung by bees, accidentally hit a lever controlling a drilling mechanism.

Services including 911 emergency dispatching were cut off about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, affecting San Marcos and large parts of Hays County.

Not only telephones but some other services like ATMs were also out of service.

Minutes before 4 p.m., the Hays County Sheriff's Office said the outage had been traced to a construction company working drilling holes "in the area of the kyle HEB at the intersection of FM 1626 and IH-35," said sheriff's spokesman Leroy Opiela.

"The construction worker was attacked and stung by bees. The worker jumped off the tractor hitting the hydraulic lever lowering the auger. The auger continued to drill and cut the fiber optic line."

Crews were still trying to repair the service when the announcement was made.