A driver was trapped in a pickup truck in Montebello for more than an hour Tuesday after crashing into a hydrant and telephone pole, causing wires to land on the vehicle, according to fire officials.
The crash occurred at 7601 Telegraph Road, and temporarily blocked traffic between Greenwood and Slauson Avenue, according to the Montebello Police Department. The incident bordered Commerce.
Multivehicles were involved in the crash, which occurred before 6 a.m. and caused the pickup truck to hit a fire hydrant and telephone pole, prompting wires to lang on the vehicle, according to Montebello Fire Department Batallion Chief Dan France.
“Electricity and water don’t really mix,” France said.
The driver remained in the vehicle and at one point appeared to be attempting to communicate with officials by flashing a light.
Later, fire officials said they contacted the driver’s cellphone and remained in communication with him until electricity and water could be shut off in the area.
The driver was trapped for about an hour and a half.
“If he had gotten out of the car, there is a very good possibility that he would have been electrocuted. … If you see wires, do not approach them. Stay away from them and call 911,” France advised.
The man, identified as Jason, was rescued around 7:15 a.m. and examined by officials.
After the ordeal was over, he told KTLA he survived the incident by staying put and staying calm.
“Know your surroundings, know what you hit and stay put,” he said, noting that before attempting to exit the truck he looked around and realized he had a pole.