Driver ejected during crash found pinned under fallen power pole, NC rescuers say
A motorist ejected from a tumbling pickup was put in even greater peril when a live power pole landed across the driver’s chest, according to rescuers in North Carolina.
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The “extremely challenging” rescue happened around 11:30 p.m. Saturday on N.C. 22 North in the Franklinville community, about a 65-mile drive west from downtown Raleigh.
Photos show the pole was snapped during the crash, and the pickup came to a stop balanced on its side.
“Upon arrival, crews found a pickup truck had struck a power pole, ejecting the driver, who sustained significant injuries and became pinned beneath the fallen pole,” the Franklinville Fire Department said in a July 26 news release.
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“Due to the way the patient’s arm and torso were trapped beneath the pole, and the position of the pole, lifting it would have caused further injury. After stabilizing the vehicle and pole, firefighters carefully dug beneath the patient while Randolph County Emergency Services provided continuous patient care.”
Once the hole was deep enough, the patient was pulled from under the pole and taken to a hospital by Randolph County EMS, officials said.
Crews remained at the scene to help the power company with the fallen pole, the department said.
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The identity of the driver and details of their condition were not released.
