A tragic accident in San Antonio, Texas has claimed the life of a local woman after she was struck by a falling fiber optic line while working in her yard. Glenda Huff Roth sustained fatal head injuries after a dump truck passing her home dislodged overhead equipment that ultimately struck her.
The incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. on May 2, 2025, on Oak Ledge Drive. According to San Antonio police, a metal arm on the top of the dump truck snagged a tree branch, which in turn caused a fiber optic cable to come crashing down onto the victim. Roth was in her front yard at the time and was struck in the head by the falling line.
She was rushed to Brooke Army Medical Center with a brain bleed and admitted to the ICU, where she remained for nearly two weeks. Roth tragically succumbed to her injuries on May 14.
Potential Causes and Contributing Factors
Initial reports indicate that the fiber optic cable, potentially owned by AT&T, may not have met minimum height clearance requirements. The National Electrical Safety Code requires a clearance of at least 15.5 feet for overhead lines crossing roadways. The truck driver involved in the incident told police he believed the line was hanging too low, although a full investigation into its placement and maintenance is ongoing.
The mechanism of injury — a falling line pulled down by an overhead truck component — suggests several potential contributing factors:
- Improper cable height or tension
- Neglected maintenance of overhead infrastructure
- Overgrown vegetation near utility lines
- Use of equipment that exceeds legal height limits without proper route planning
This kind of incident raises critical questions about the responsibilities of utility companies, commercial vehicle operators, and municipal oversight when it comes to maintaining safe public spaces.
Risks and Safety Considerations
Fiber optic and utility lines are common in residential neighborhoods, yet when improperly installed or inadequately maintained, they can pose serious hazards. Commercial trucks traveling through such areas must also exercise caution, particularly if they carry equipment capable of reaching significant heights.
Key safety concerns raised by this accident include:
- The importance of compliance with national line height standards
- Risks to pedestrians and homeowners from overhead lines and passing vehicles
- The need for coordination between municipalities, utility providers, and trucking operators to prevent foreseeable harm
While these accidents are rare, they are preventable. Oversight failures and infrastructure neglect can lead to devastating outcomes, as tragically demonstrated in this case.
Legal Rights and Options
Families who lose loved ones in incidents involving falling utility infrastructure may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. In cases like this, multiple parties could bear responsibility:
- The utility company that owns or maintains the line
- A subcontractor responsible for installation or inspection
- The trucking company or driver if vehicle height or operation was unsafe
- Municipal entities that may have failed to enforce clearance or vegetation trimming standards
A thorough investigation by a personal injury lawyer can help identify all responsible parties and preserve crucial evidence, such as police reports, maintenance logs, and video surveillance, if available. The goal of such legal action is not only to obtain compensation but also to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
Speak with a Wrongful Death Attorney Today
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, our attorneys have extensive experience handling cases involving serious injury and loss of life. If you or a loved one has been harmed in an accident and are considering your legal options, call 713-804-9306 today for a free consultation.