Overview
- A vehicle flipped over a security fence and struck a main transmission pipe at the South Martin Regional Utility North Water Treatment Plant in Hobe Sound late Wednesday night, sending water gushing and cutting service for nearby customers.
- Utility crews restored water pressure for many residents by the following morning, but South Martin Regional Utility left a precautionary boil-water advisory in place for roughly 7,000 customers until downstream water safety testing is complete.
- The driver ran from the scene and was later located when a family member brought him to a hospital; deputies identified him as 24-year-old Eliuvar Garza and cited him on multiple charges including leaving the scene and driving with a suspended license.
- Martin County officials released body-camera footage, said social-media claims that a medical event caused the crash are inaccurate, and said the driver was not legally allowed to drive; investigators have not yet determined the crash cause or final repair costs and timeline.
- Because large transmission mains are a critical single point of failure for distribution, crews and officials warn residents to follow the boil notice, expect additional updates from the utility, and watch for official testing results before using tap water for drinking or cooking.