SUV Rolls Over and Takes Utility Pole and Wires With It

At approximately 1145hrs today, a Nissan Pathfinder (SUV) traveling to Wayne on Breakneck Road lost control. The call came in as a roll over with vehicle occupant entrapment. Assistant Chief Bob Knapp (1050) arrived on scene first. Chief Pete Sondervan (1030) arrived shortly after 1050 and assumed command. Simultaneously, while 1050 was gearing up 1030 assessed the accident. The SUV struck a utility pole and snapped the utility pole in half hit a rock on the side of the road, rolled over, . Hanging wires created a significant life hazard. The pole that was snapped in half was weighing down the wires above the vehicle. Additional strain on the wires was created by another damaged utility pole further down line. Both victims were conscious and alert only complaining of minor injuries. 1050 was able to open the doors of the overturned vehicle. The decision was made to remove the victims before the wires came down on the vehicle. Oakland and Franklin Lakes First Aid squads arrived on scene just as the victims were being removed. Both victims were transported to an area hospital. PSE&G arrived on scene at 1300hrs and took over the scene. The fire department was released at 1305hrs.