A motorcyclist was flown to a Knoxville hospital in a medical helicopter with what were described as serious injuries after crashing into a power pole on West Outer Drive on Wednesday morning, Aug. 8, 2018. authorities said. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)
Note: This story was updated at 2:50 p.m.
A 20-year-old motorcyclist was flown to a Knoxville hospital in a medical helicopter with what were described as serious injuries after crashing into a power pole on West Outer Drive on Wednesday morning, authorities said.
The single-vehicle crash, which was a few blocks east of North Illinois Avenue in an area with a curve and a hill, was reported at about 7:10 a.m. Wednesday. The motorcycle was heading west when it left the roadway and struck a utility pole, according to the Oak Ridge Police Department.
After the crash, the male motorcyclist was airlifted to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville from Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, said Eric Rackard, battalion chief for the Oak Ridge Fire Department.
The Oak Ridge Electric Department, Oak Ridge Fire Department, and Oak Ridge Police Department were all at the crash site Wednesday morning, and West Outer Drive was temporarily closed between Illinois Avenue and Wadsworth Circle.
The cause of the crash wasn’t immediately clear, and the identity of the motorcyclist isn’t available yet. His condition wasn’t available Wednesday afternoon, the Oak Ridge Police Department said.
Rackard said a van ran over downed power lines on West Outer Drive after the crash, and the vehicle became entangled in the lines. The Oak Ridge Fire Department kept the male driver in the van until the Oak Ridge Electric Department could disconnect the power, Rackard said.
West Outer Drive is on a ridge top in north Oak Ridge. The Oak Ridge Public Works Department also responded to the crash, and the ORPD reported that the affected portion of West Outer Drive remained closed Wednesday afternoon while crews made repairs.
The crash was still under investigation on Wednesday afternoon.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
A motorcyclist was flown to a Knoxville hospital in a medical helicopter with what were described as serious injuries after crashing into a power pole on West Outer Drive on Wednesday morning, Aug. 8, 2018. authorities said. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)
A motorcyclist was flown to a Knoxville hospital in a medical helicopter with what were described as serious injuries after crashing into a power pole on West Outer Drive on Wednesday morning, Aug. 8, 2018. authorities said. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)
A motorcyclist was flown to a Knoxville hospital in a medical helicopter with what were described as serious injuries after crashing into a power pole on West Outer Drive on Wednesday morning, Aug. 8, 2018. authorities said. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)
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Mark Caldwell says
Wonder how fast a motorcycle has to go in order to break a power pole?
johnhuotari says
I don’t know, Mark, but it’s my understanding, based on previous conversations with the Electric Department, that those poles break easier than you might think because they are under a lot of tension.
Mark Caldwell says
Thank you John. Incredible nevertheless.