Driver Crashes Into Utility Poles, Ignites Transformer Fire: Berkeley Police

BERKELEY, NJ — A driver trying to avoid rear-ending another vehicle crashed into two utility poles and created a transformer fire in Berkeley, according to a police news release.

Berkeley police responded to 938 Atlantic City Blvd. at about 9:43 a.m. on Aug. 15 to find a broken utility pole about 230 feet north of a Chevrolet Equinox with heavy front damage, authorities said. A wire was also on the ground, sparking and burning the blacktop, on the opposite side of the road, police said.

The Equinox's driver had been heading south and was looking down at his phone when the vehicle in front of him was braking, police said.

When he looked back up, he realized he was about to crash into that vehicle and swerved to the right, crashing into the utility pole, police said. The car continued south on the shoulder for about 75 feet and struck another utility pole before coming to a rest.

The driver was uninjured, police said. Traffic was diverted for between 2 and 2.5 hours as the investigation was underway. Some businesses and residents lost power for a short period of time, police said.

JCP&L, Verizon, and New Jersey Natural Gas were advised and responded to assist with proper utilities. Bayville Fire Department and Bayville First Aid remained on scene for precautionary purposes. Lacey Township Police were also notified to assist with traffic at Route 9 and Harbor Inn Road due to the unique traffic pattern in the area. New Jersey State Police were standing by as the utility pole will be replaced with the assistance of New Jersey State Department of Transportation.

This incident is currently under investigation by Patrolman Christopher Elliott of the Berkeley Township Police Department Traffic Safety Bureau.