The construction equipment struck a transformer and a utility pole on 29 Mile Road in Washington Township Tuesday afternoon, triggering a chain reaction that left a truck driver trapped beneath live high-voltage wires, snapped multiple poles, and knocked out power across the area. A semi-truck that struck several other poles was also left stranded at the scene, and officials said no injuries had been reported immediately after the crash.
The crash happened when construction equipment being hauled on a trailer struck the transformer and pole, setting off the outage, according to the Macomb Daily. The Macomb County Sheriff's Office and Washington Township Fire Department responded to the scene, while DTE Energy crews worked to minimize the impact on the community, the outlet reported.
Repairs Continue After Pole Damage
DTE crews worked on power restoration after the transformer and utility poles were damaged.
The Macomb County Department of Roads reported that 29 Mile Road was closed between Van Dyke Avenue and Jewell Road due to the downed lines, the Macomb Daily reported. Drivers were urged to avoid the area of 29 Mile and Mound roads, per a statement attributed to Previti in the original report.
Power Outage Forces Early Dismissal
The outage forced Romeo Community Schools to release Romeo High School students early, after 1:15 p.m., the Macomb Daily reported. The high school sits at 62300 Jewell Road in Washington Township and serves more than 1,700 students in grades 9 through 12, according to Romeo High School, and its campus sits immediately adjacent to the crash site at 29 Mile and Jewell roads.
Vehicle Height and Liability Questions
It remains unclear whether the construction transport vehicle exceeded Michigan's maximum height limit of 13 feet 6 inches for vehicles and loaded trailers on state roadways, under Michigan Compiled Laws Section 257.719. The statute makes a vehicle owner liable for damage or injury from a height-caused collision with a lawfully established bridge or viaduct.
DTE crews continued working to restore power after the crash.
Pattern of Pole Strikes Across Macomb County
Tuesday's crash is not an isolated case locally. In August, Hoodline reported on a fatal Harrison Township crash in which a pickup truck towing a trailer struck a left-turning vehicle before colliding with an electrical utility pole.
The Macomb Daily said readers can return for further updates as the investigation and power restoration continue.
