City of Vicksburg Tractor and Excavator pulled from flooded work zone

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — A City of Vicksburg Kubota tractor and a John Deere excavator were stuck and partially submerged last week during water line repairs in the Kings/Waltersville subdivision, where residents were already dealing with extremely low water pressure.

The tractor and excavator were caught in the recently flooded area but have since been recovered and moved to solid ground to dry out.

According to Vicksburg Public Works Director Dane Lovell, both vehicles are now “drying out” before technicians attempt to start them and determine whether repairs are necessary.

“We’re taking every precaution not to just crank it and mess it up,” Lovell said.

Lovell said the city has contacted its insurance provider regarding both the tractor and excavator, but until the equipment is powered on and inspected, it’s unclear what—if any—damage may have occurred.

“I think they’re going to be OK,” he said. “We may have to check on some relays and some electronic stuff, but I think they’re going to be OK.”

The exact cost of the equipment has not been revealed, but new unit replacement costs would be $400,000 +. The city has insurance on the vehicle and will most like pay for repairs if the units can be made whole again.

The Vicksburg Daily News will follow up on this report once additional information is available.