Phone service was restored to Hays County Monday night after a fiber optic line was accidentally severed in a construction accident.

A construction crew was drilling holes near the Kyle HEB at F.M. 1626 and Interstate 35. Officials say a construction worker was attacked and stung by bees. The worker jumped off the truck and hit the hydraulic lever, lowering the auger. That's when the line was cut.

Crews eventually restored service at around 8 p.m.

Until then phone communication was either down or spotty in much of the county. Some parts of the county could reach 911 because the calls were patched through other places.

Other callers only got a busy signal.

It's was a major concern to emergency responders who know how crucial communication is in an emergency.

KVUE News

Allen Bridges, Hays County sheriff

"Were hoping that anybody can flag down somebody if they're in that situation, if they're at home and they don't have that capability, were worried. It obviously could be a life threatening situation at any time," said Allen Bridges, Hays County sheriff.

Residents in the county were urged to go to the nearest fire department in the event of an emergency, and they would contact the Hays County Sheriff's Office by radio.

• Now that service has been restored, officials ask that residents not test the 911 line unless they have a real emergency.