Two injured in U.S. 231 crash Sunday

Firefighters work to secure a wrecked truck after a crash involving a telephone pole. Two motorists were extricated after power lines, which were wrapped around the truck, were disconnected and then cleared. The motorists were transported with non-life-threatening injuries.

Courtesy Putnam County Sheriff’s Office

FINCASTLE – Two motorists were injured in a crash on U.S. 231 Sunday in which a telephone pole was struck and power in the area was shut down.

According to information from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, first responders were dispatched to the incident, which occurred between U.S. 36 and Fincastle, at about 4:40 p.m.

The pole that the truck in question struck had multiple power lines and transformers which were still live after the impact. The lines were resting on top of the truck and sparking, trapping the motorists.

Parke County REMC was contacted and arrived on an emergent run to shut down power. Roachdale volunteer firefighters were then able to extricate the motorists. They were transported by Putnam County EMS for their injuries, which were not life-threatening.

The driver, John Mason, 87, Terre Haute, stated that he and his passenger, who has not been identified, were traveling southbound when the truck fishtailed due to icy conditions. Mason let off the gas, but the truck slid off the west side of the road and struck the telephone pole on the passenger side. The truck then rolled before coming to rest as such.

After Adams Towing retrieved the truck, Parke County REMC remained at the scene for several hours to restore power. U.S. 231 was closed until one lane was opened at 7:30 p.m. as the Indiana Department of Transportation and county highway department were putting down salt in the area. The roadway was completely opened by 9 p.m.