Truck Takes Out Pole Near 2 Vernon Schools, Police Station

VERNON, CT — A pickup truck took out a utility pole Monday afternoon in Vernon Center, which, in turn knocked out power at one school for an extended period of time and another school and the public safety complex briefly until their generators kicked in.

The crash took place at 1:30 p.m., in the westbound lane of Route 30 between the West Street and Center Road intersections police said. A red pickup truck could be seen on the lawn of the police station near a pole that was severed at its base.

Police said early indications point to a medical issue with the driver, who was in his 70s.

Power went out in the immediate area at the time of the crash. The public safety complex and Vernon Center Middle School were briefly affected until their respective generators kicked in, police and school officials said. Dismissal time was dark at VCMS until the generators were turned on, an education official said.

Center Road School was without power for the last batch of classes plus dismissal.

School system officials went to CRS to assist with dismissal.

Police, fire and utility crews were at the scene well into the afternoon hours.

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