Crime & Safety
House Catches Fire After Car Crashes Into Utility Pole: Troopers
The driver was cited for careless driving and driving while license suspended, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — A house caught fire near Branch Forbes Road Saturday when a car crashed into a nearby utility pole that caused sparks to ignite the house, Florida Highway Patrol said.
A 31-year-old male driver from Clearwater traveled eastbound on U.S. Highway 92 in a Ford Fusion when he lost control of the car at around 3:51 p.m., authorities said. The vehicle crossed westbound lanes, hit a tree and then crashed into a wooden utility pole. Power wires were pulled from an unoccupied house when the power pole fell over due to the crash. Sparks from the wires caused the house to burn down.
A truck what was parked near the house also burned. No one was inside the house or the truck.
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The driver experienced serious injuries. He was cited for careless driving and driving with a suspended license, deputies said.
*Due to Marsy's Law, Florida Highway Patrol will not be releasing the name of the driver.
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