News Summary
In a tragic yard work accident, 52-year-old Glenda Huff Roth was struck in the head by a fiber optic line when a dump truck’s metal arm dislodged a branch. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries in the ICU, she succumbed to her injuries, leaving her family heartbroken. The incident, which raises questions about safety regulations concerning overhead utility lines, is currently under investigation.
San Antonio Woman Dies After Yard Work Accident
A tragic accident occurred in San Antonio, resulting in the death of Glenda Huff Roth, a 52-year-old woman who was struck in the head by a fiber optic line while working in her yard. The incident took place around 11 AM on May 2, 2023, on Oak Ledge Drive, as Roth was engaged in yard work.
The accident happened when a dump truck passed by her home. A metal arm at the top of the truck allegedly caught a branch, causing it to fall and strike the fiber optic cable above Roth’s head. Following the impact, she was immediately taken to Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), where doctors discovered she had sustained a brain bleed.
During her 12-day stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Roth underwent several brain surgeries in an effort to save her life. Despite her fighting spirit and the medical efforts to aid her recovery, Roth succumbed to her injuries on Thursday morning, leaving behind a grieving family who shared their last goodbyes.
About Glenda Huff Roth
Roth was a life-long resident of San Antonio and a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. Initially pursuing a career in photojournalism, she later dedicated herself to motherhood at the age of 35 when she gave birth to her only daughter, Caroline. This year was set to mark 17 years of marriage for Roth and her husband, Bill.
Investigation and Safety Concerns
The San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) identified the fiber optic cable involved in the accident as being owned by AT&T. The driver of the dump truck mentioned concerns about the fiber optic line hanging too low, but the precise circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. According to the national electric safety code, the minimum height for lines above roadways is 15.5 feet, raising questions about whether this standard was adhered to in Roth’s case.
Family’s Reaction and Future Steps
With the sudden and tragic loss of Roth, her family is left grappling with numerous questions regarding the events that led to her death. They expressed a sincere desire to prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedies. In the wake of the incident, AT&T has extended its condolences to the Roth family and has committed to cooperating with local authorities throughout the investigation.
This accident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with overhead utility lines and the importance of adherence to safety regulations in order to ensure public safety. While the investigation continues, community members are grasping the severity of such incidents as they come to terms with the loss suffered by the Roth family.
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Additional Resources
- KENS 5: San Antonio Woman Dies in Fiber Optic Line Accident
- Wikipedia: Fiber Optic Cable
- KSAT: Spectrum Reward for Fiber Optic Vandalism Info
- Google Search: Fiber Optic Vandalism
- Houston Chronicle: Spectrum Fiber Vandalism Reward
- Google Scholar: Fiber Optic Technology
- Bluebonnet News: Man Electrocuted on Fiber Optic Lines
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fiber Optic Technology
- KENS 5: San Antonio Woman Dead After Fiber Optic Accident Video
- Google News: Fiber Optic Accident
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
