Power lines down after truck crashes into pole

Historic City News has learned that at 12:38 p.m. today, the driver of a white pickup truck on SR-207 lost control of the vehicle and slammed into a power pole, downing power lines; but, according to Sergeant Dylan L Bryan with Florida Highway Patrol, no one was injured.

Trooper J K Bartholomew, who investigated the crash, told Historic City News that the 2000 white Dodge Dakota pickup, driven by 41-year-old John Randall Robinson of Hastings, was traveling southbound on SR-207 in the outside lane. A 2007 blue Toyota Tundra pickup, driven by 47-year-old Glen Orville Lowe of Indian Rocks Beach, was traveling directly in front of the Robinson’s Dodge.

When the two vehicles reached Hilltop Road, the Toyota and the Dodge changed lanes and entered the inside lane at the same time.

Robinson swerved right to avoid a collision with the Toyota; but, he lost control of the vehicle and traveled onto the right grass shoulder, and overturned — striking a live utility pole and a chain linked fence. The utility pole broke in half and landed on the Dodge along with live power lines which fell across both directions of SR-207.

Florida Power and Light Company turned the power off until the scene could be cleared.

Robinson, and his passengers, 23-year-old Bethany and 4-year-old Dillan, were uninjured; the vehicle sustained about $14,000 in property damage.

Lowe’s passenger, 65-year-old Beverly A Weeks of Harrison, Ohio, suffered minor injuries; Lowe and a third passenger, 3-year-old Malia Robinson, were uninjured. Lowe’s vehicle was not damaged.

No charges have been brought against either driver at this time. All occupants were wearing their seatbelts and child restraints, and alcohol is not believed to have contributed to the crash.