Crime & Safety
Warren Man Not Seriously Hurt after Portsmouth Crash
The driver struck multiple telephone poles, sending live wires to the ground early Wednesday morning.
PORTSMOUTH, RI—a 30-year-old Warren man was hurt, but not seriously, after he crashed into multiple utility poles on East Main Road in Portsmouth early Wednesday morning.
The crash damaged the poles, knocking some to the ground and sending power lines to the ground. It also cause the car to catch fire.
Firefighters were hampered by the live wires on the ground as they tried to put out the car fire, according to Portsmouth Fire Department Deputy Chief Michael P. O'Brien.
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They did put out the fire once National Grid responded and was able to deem the area safe from electricity, O'Brien said.
The victim was transported to Newport Hospital for non life-threatening injuries, O'Brien said.
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The crash happened at around 1:26 a.m. just north of Clement's Market by Church Lane. Police and firefighters responded after 911 multiple calls.
The crash knocked out power to the area. It also ruptured the vehicle's fuel tank, causing an environmental hazard, but firefighters were able to take action by using absorbent pads and covering a storm drain.
The scene was cleared by 3:26 a.m.
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