Man Trapped Under Utility Pole After Crashing Tractor: Officials

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — A man was not injured after crashing a pole into a utility pole, which then toppled over on top of him Monday evening in rural McHenry County.

The Marengo Fire & Rescue District was called to the 20400 block of Kishwaukee Valley Road for the reported tractor incident at about 5:05 p.m., according to a news release from the fire protection district.

When firefighters arrived, they found the man in the driver's seat of a medium-sized tractor and pinned under a collapsed utility pole, according to authorities. The pole brought down electrical wires, and ComEd also responded to the scene and confirmed the power to the lines had been disconnected.

The tractor appears to have struck a guide wire, which caused the utility pole to topple, leaving the man trapped for about 45 minutes before he was discovered by a family member, according to the news release.

Firefighters were able to free the man from under the utility pole, and paramedics evaluated him at the scene. The man did not report any injuries and was not taken to a hospital for further treatment.

“Given the totality of the situation, this was the best outcome possible,” said John Kimmel, fire chief for the Marengo Fire & Rescue District. “Our training and teamwork were critical to achieving a positive outcome in this incident. We are glad he is back home and healthy.”