UPDATE: Car Versus Pole Sends One to Rhode Island Hospital

A Chevrolet Trailblazer  hit a pole on Taunton Avenue at about 2 p.m. today, sending Thomas Costa, 45, to Sturdy Memorial Hospital, then Rhode Island Hospital. Costa is currently in stable condition.

Upon arrival, Norton Police and Fire Departments observed a utility pole severed in half by the vehicle. Reports say the victim was not breathing at the scene. After an initial investigation, it appeared that the vehicle was heading south on Taunton Avenue, veered across the northbound lane, and struck the utility pole on the shoulder of the northbound lane.

According to Police Lieutenant Todd Jackson, there were no skid marks on road.

Costa, of Taunton, was transported to Sturdy by the Norton Fire Department.

National Grid responded to the scene to repair the utility pole.  Massachusetts State Police Accident Reconstruction was contacted and responded to the scene to conduct an investigation.  Taunton Avenue, from Faith Way to Barrows Street, was shut down for two hours.

The accident remains under investigation by Tpr. Paul Chastenay of the Massachusetts State Police.