Rollover Crash in Salem Sheers Power Pole

Holmstrom says that fortunately, PGE had a full crew already on their way to address another power problem and quickly diverted to the accident scene.

Photo courtesy: Bill Holmstrom/Salem Fire

(SALEM) - Salem Fire Department responded to a one car rollover at Portland Road and Wayside Terrace Thursday morning just after 2:30 AM. Fire Spokesman Bill Holmstrom says crews found a sheered off power pole.

"Upon Engine 3's arrival they discovered a low hanging wire crossing Portland Road as well as a blue caravan-type vehicle on its side, over a small embankment and in contact with an electrical power pole."

Holmstrom says that upon leaving the roadway, the van sheered off the power pole, and rolled on to the driver's side of the vehicle. "Engine 3 was able to determine that the patient was still conscious and determined the safest course of action was to wait until PGE could de-energize the power lines before proceeding to extricate the patient."

Holmstrom says that fortunately, PGE had a full crew already on their way to address another power problem and quickly diverted to the accident scene.

"PGE isolated the power as well as stabilized the sheered power pole. Once this was completed crews utilized the winch on Ladder 2 to further stabilize the vehicle. By cutting out the back seats, Ladder 2 and Engine 2 were able to extricate the patient from the rear of the vehicle."

He says the patient was stable and was transported to Salem Hospital. Salem Police are investigating the incident.