Crime & Safety
SUV Slams Into Pole, Shuts Down Turnpike
Hempstead Turnpike in West Hempstead shut down for eight hours after vehicle crashes into utility pole.
A portion of the westbound Hempstead Turnpike was closed Sunday after an early morning crash near Westminster Road in West Hempstead.
According to Nassau County Police, the driver of an SUV lost control of his vehicle around 3 a.m. and smashed into a utility pole in front of the Mobil gas station.
Cops say another vehicle, that was making a turn at the intersection, was also involved in the crash. The driver of the SUV appeared to have misjudged his speed, according to an officer on the scene, who said alcohol was not a factor.
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There were two minor injuries reported. The pole was cracked in two and left hanging precariously by its high tension wires, but there were no reports of power loss in the area.
Police and Long Island Power Authority crews remained at the scene Sunday morning. The lanes were reopened at 11 a.m.
