Crash topples city utility pole

Mike Crowley, The Meadville Tribune, Pa.
·1 min read

Apr. 26—The driver of a truck that knocked over one utility pole and damaged another sustained moderate injuries after a Poplar Street crash Thursday, according to officials.

The single-vehicle crash occurred at approximately 9:26 a.m. as the 2013 Toyota Tacoma was driving east on Poplar Street between Liberty Street and South Main Street, according to Chief Michael Stefanucci of Meadville Police Department.

Stefanucci identified the driver as David Betz, 64.

Betz was transported to Meadville Medical Center in stable condition, according to Deputy Chief Evan Kardosh of Meadville Central Fire Department.

The crash remains under investigation.

Kardosh said two utility poles were damaged along with the guide wires for a third pole. Penelec and Kinetic by Windstream were contacted regarding damage to the poles.

Meadville Auxiliary Police closed the affected block of Poplar Street to traffic following the crash.

While one of the affected poles remained upright and leaning perilously over the roadway, a portion of the other pole could be seen extending from behind the truck approximately 120 feet farther east in the vacant lot on the north side of the street where the truck came to a stop following the crash.

Meadville police, fire and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene along with auxiliary police.

Note: This story has been updated to reflect the location of the crash. A previous version included an incorrect cross street.

Mike Crowley can be reached at (814) 724-6370 or by email at mcrowley@meadvilletribune.com.