N.J. Man Slams Truck Into Pole, Causes Widespread Power Outage

A New Jersey man slammed his truck into a pole on Thursday night that causes a widespread power outage, police said.

The box truck that was involved in the accident sustained heavy front end damage and was towed from the scene.

The operator of the vehicle, Marino-Perez Pena, 26, of Long Branch not have a valid New Jersey Driver’s license and was issued summons for being an unlicensed driver. The cause of the accident remains under investigation, police said.

At approximately 4:45 p.m. Stafford Police responded to the area of Route 72 and West Road for a report of a vehicle that ran off the roadway and struck a utility pole. Upon police arrival, both occupants of the vehicle had already exited, police said.

The accident involved a large box truck striking a utility pole that resulted in low hanging electrical wires near the roadway. Police secured the area and were able to keep traffic along Route 72 moving after closing down the right lane of travel.

No other vehicles were reported to be involved.

This incident knocked out power to multiple traffic lights along Route 72. The following intersections were controlled by Stafford Police to ensure safe travel during the time of the power outage: Route 72/Captain Randolph, Route 72, Mermaid, Route 72/Breakers, Route 72/Neptune and Route 9 and Bay Ave.

The traffic lights were out for approximately 1 hour with the exception of the light located at Route 72/Captain Randolph which was inoperable for several hours. Traffic at that intersection was controlled by the Department of Transportation while repairs were being made.

In addition to the Stafford Township Police Department other agencies assisting at the scene included the Stafford Township Vol. Fire Department, Stafford Township EMS, NJ Department of Transportation and the Atlantic City Electric Company.

Patrolman Michael Wade is the investigating Officer.