A driver was rushed to the hospital Tuesday with serious injuries after his SUV crashed into a utility pole in Plantation, causing a massive fire and power outages in the area.
According to Plantation Police, the crash happened on Sunrise Boulevard near NW 70th Avenue and caused the silver Toyota SUV to burst into flames and send smoke into the air.
Police said a good Samaritan pulled the driver out of the SUV before authorities arrived.
Investigators confirmed the driver was the only person in the SUV and is expected to survive his injuries. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.
Emergency crews were called to the scene and the westbound lanes of Sunrise Boulevard were closed for several hours.
Police officers directed traffic and electrical crews worked to restore power to hundreds of homes in the area.
A third-grader named Mila said she and her friends could see the fire from her classroom and everyone was panicking.
“I was scared because I didn’t know that was half of what was going on,” she said. “And there were a bunch of other kids panicking in the same room as me.”
The accident caused the utility pole to crack and would have fallen if not for the power lines holding it upright.
Debbie Gonzalez, a neighbor, said speeding was common in the area and drivers need to stay safe on the roads.
She also said her husband heard loud noises and crackling and went outside to find the SUV on fire.
“He was at work and he says he hears flashing noises and he likes the noises and he leaves,” Gonzalez said. “…And he realizes and takes some photos and videos that a car is on fire. And it had hit the main power pole.”
The crash caused power outages in the neighborhood, and residents are reminded to drive safely and obey the speed limit.
At the last check, at least 470 homes were affected by power cuts.
