Truck Pulls Down 3 Utility Poles, Snarls Brick Traffic

BRICK, NJ -- (Updated, 3:45 p.m.) Repair crews are still working to replace utility poles pulled down Monday morning when a tractor trailer got caught in low-hanging wires on Burrsville Road, police said.

The incident, which knocked out power to a number of homes and several traffic signals in the area, has closed Burrsville Road between Burnt Tavern Road and Patriot Road since shortly after the accident happened about 11 a.m., Brick Sgt. Neal Pedersen said.

The tractor trailer, driven by Neal Mescia of Englewood, hit the wires on Burrsville Road, Pedersen said. The wires got hooked onto the truck, causing the truck to pull down three utility poles and damage a fourth, he said.

Mescia was not hurt, Pedersen said. Laurelton Fire Company Station 23 responded along with the Brick Police EMS, he said.

When the truck was freed from the wires, it was able to be driven from the scene, Pedersen said.

He said authorities anticipated that Burrsville Road will remain closed between Patriot Road and Burnt Tavern Road until at least 8 p.m.

The crash is being investigated by Patrolman Christopher Geskey.

EARLIER:

Brick Township police are asking motorists to use caution and expect delays in the area of Burrsville Road and Burnt Tavern Road while a downed utility pole is repaired.

The notice posted by the department on Facebook says:

“Burrsville Road is CLOSED between Burnt Tavern Rd and Patriot Ave. There is a utility pole that is down on Burrsville Rd that is also causing a power outage in the area. Burnt Tavern Rd is also experiencing power outages and multiple traffic lights are not functioning in the area. Please avoid the area.”

It is not yet known how long the outage or the road closure will last.

The Jersey Shore Scanner News Facebook page reports a truck hit the pole behind the 7-Eleven at the corner of Burrsville and Burnt Tavern.

(Photo of utility poles pulled down on Burrsville Road. Credit: Suzanne Clancy)