MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Light, Gas and Water crews headed to Chattanooga on Thursday to help in the recovery effort after weekend storms.
“That’s what light, gas and water does, that’s what JT our president that’s what he says. Serving you is what we do, that’s why we are going to help out.”
Supervisor Todd Carr led the convoy of eight trucks with nine crew members as it left Thursday morning. Their goal is to help restore power lines that were damaged in Sunday’s tornado.
“On top of all the other comforts that’s taken away during these times, your electricity is one of your big things that you need.”
Carr said this is yet another example of communities coming together in the face of adversity.
That storm – with 145 mile per hour winds – killed 10 people in the Chattanooga area, including seven across the state line in Georgia. Approximately 150 homes and buildings were destroyed.
MLGW will join about 200 other crews across several state.
“We have already finished all of the maintenance here in town, then we are able to send crews to help them. They would do the same thing for us. It’s a mutual assistance.”
The tornado cut a path 1,500 yards wide and nine miles long.
A four-year-old child died from injuries caused by the tornado. The death, confirmed by the Chattanooga Fire Department, now brings the number of fatalities to four.
The fire department did not release any further information about the child.
Gov. Bill Lee visited Chattanooga Tuesday to survey the damage, which along with fatalities, injured dozens and destroyed hundreds of buildings.
