A chaotic scene unfolded in Middleborough after a vehicle lost control and flipped over, taking down a utility pole in the process. The incident occurred on RT-28 at Elm St., forcing authorities to shut down the thoroughfare in both directions as they attended to the crumpled wreckage and debris. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation confirmed the closure early Monday, cautioning drivers to seek alternative routes.

According to the MassDOT's post on X, the crash prompted immediate detours to be set in place to divert the traffic away from the scene of the accident. The details surrounding the cause of the rollover were not immediately made available, and the condition of the driver or any occupants involved has yet to be disclosed. First responders arrived quickly on the scene to begin to clean up the wreckage and ensure public safety.

 

Rollover crash with pole down in #Middleborough on RT-28 at Elm St. RT-28 closed in both directions. detours in place.

— Mass. Transportation (@MassDOT) May 6, 2024

 

The downed pole added complexity to the incident, as power lines potentially posed a risk for those nearby. Crews were dispatched to safely remove the pole and restore any disrupted services. Commuters were advised to avoid the area entirely and adhere to the detour signs and directions provided by local law enforcement. The disruption to the flow of traffic was significant, considering RT-28's role as a major artery in the area.

Local authorities are investigating the crash and will be working diligently not just to clear the area, but to also to determine what precipitated the dramatic rollover. Further updates are expected as the investigation unfolds and as efforts to reopen RT-28 continue. Middleborough residents and those traveling through will need to stay tuned to Massachusetts Department of Transportation updates for the latest information on when normal traffic patterns are likely to resume.