URBANA TWP., Ohio -- A transformer at the top of a utility pole exploded and burned after a driver struck it on Oct. 28, resulting in the scene shown in the photo on the right, taken by Springfield News Sun photographer Bill Lackey.
The crash occurred on U.S. 68 shortly after noon when the motorist drove his vehicle up a set of guy wires, striking the top of the pole before overturning.
A witness told the newspaper the driver went up there "like a roller coaster."
The transformer at the top of the pole exploded after the incident and burned above responders during the rescue. None of the Urbana firefighters involved were injured.
"I've never seen a vehicle travel all the way up the guy wires and (strike) the utility pole at the very top end of it," Trooper Ty Skaggs told the newspaper.
The driver was flown to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton and was listed in fair condition the following morning.
Investigators said alcohol likely played a factor in the crash and he may have fallen asleep at the wheel.
