Single Car Crash Severs Pole, Cuts Power

The driver of a late model Jeep apparently lost control while approaching the intersection of Shrewsbury Avenue and Newman Springs Road before 8 p.m., leaving the road and crashing into an electrical pole.

The driver and his female companion were apparently unhurt, both taking turns pacing on a nearby corner, cell phones in hand, and describing the accident emphatically to police taking report. 

The pole, severed, leaned against the front of the Jeep, sparks shooting off intermittently beneath the vehicle's chassis. The crash resulted in the loss of power to the busy intersection, leading to police helping direct traffic.

Red Bank Board of Education Member Sue Viscomi, campaigning nearby for a seat on borough council, witnessed the accident. It didn't appear as though the driver was avoiding another car or anyone crossing the street she said, and she didn't hear the sound of tires screeching before the Jeep collided with the pole. 

It is unclear if any citations were issues. The electric company arrived on the scene at about 8:30 p.m. to tend to the pole.