Vehicle crashes into utility pole, closing Quarterline Rd.

June 23, 2016

#MasonCountyNews

IMG_5338By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.

GRANT TOWNSHIP — A 50-year-old Manistee man received non-life-threatening injuries this morning when his vehicle struck a high tension utility pole on North Quarterline Road between Koenig Road and Forest Trail. The crash occurred about 7:40 a.m. Grant Township Fire Chief Ron Melchert said the Buick Rendezvous was southbound on Quarterline Road. He said the driver, who was the only person in the vehicle, said the car sounded and felt like it blew a tire, which caused the vehicle to leave the roadway and strike the pole.

Melchert said the vehicle’s rear passenger side did have a blown tire. He said rescue personnel initially hesitated removing the man from the vehicle because an active power line was touching the pole, which was in contact with the vehicle. But the pole, which was severely damaged and leaning, separated from the line.

Contracted linemen from Hydaker-Wheatland Company of Reed City arrived on scene about 9:30 a.m. to repair the damaged Consumers Energy pole. No power outages were reported.

The crash victim was transported by Life EMS to West Shore Medical Center in Manistee. Melchert said it appeared the man may have had a broken leg.

Quarterline Road was closed while the utility crew was on scene and was expected to be closed until after noon. Traffic was being rerouted down Hoague and Koenig roads to US 31.

Personnel from Mason County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the scene. 

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