Semi-truck crashes into pole at Henderson and Franklin Street intersection, closing East Franklin to traffic

Traffic on East Franklin and Henderson Streets came to a halt Wednesday afternoon after a semi-truck hit a power line.

Capt. Jeff Clark of the Chapel Hill police said that no one was injured in the accident.

But the truck downed connecting power lines and nearly caused a power outage, said Lt. John Wellons of the Chapel Hill Fire Department. As a result, traffic had to be diverted from East Franklin Street for more than three hours.

Clark said the truck was making a delivery to 140 West Franklin when it turned too wide.

According to a Chapel Hill police release, police responded to the resulting accident at 1:54 p.m.

Freshman Chris McGrath saw the accident occur.

“About 3 feet before he hit the pole, it was apparent that the truck wouldn’t make the corner,” he said.

Caroline Engle, a UNC junior who also witnessed the accident, said she heard the sound before she saw the crash — and though she found the accident shocking, she was impressed by the quick police response.

“The police got here pretty fast,” she said. “It’s a good thing there was a timely response.”

Clark said the driver has received a citation, though he didn’t know the details of the charge.

After the incident, East Franklin Street was closed to traffic between Columbia and Hillsborough Streets until shortly after 5 p.m. Henderson Street was also closed.

Wellons said the bus transit systems were notified of the closures, and traffic was redirected to Rosemary Street.

Though officials received complaints about detours and long lines, Clark said that in general, drivers and pedestrians were patient.

“People were mostly understanding, as citizens and students generally are,” Clark said.

Pike Electric foreman Hal Clark said the power connecting to the stoplight had to be shut off for an hour while the pole was replaced.

But now that the pole is fixed, officials said that they do not anticipate any major problems moving forward.

“The public works department will do a few follow-ups in the morning but traffic won’t be hindered,” Jeff Clark said.

Though the accident has been cleaned up, McGrath said at least one member of the crowd that gathered after the incident will have a way to remember it.

“A guy thought a piece of the pole would be a good souvenir, so he grabbed it and took it.”

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