Passenger injured as pickup strikes utility pole

Jefferson City Fire Department truck
Jefferson City Fire Department truck

A pickup truck struck a utility pole in Jefferson City Saturday night, temporarily confining the two occupants inside until emergency personnel deemed the situation safe enough to rescue them.

Police report an electric transformer box was on top of the truck shortly after 9 p.m. when officers and firefighters arrived at the scene of the crash in the 600 block of Georgia Street.

The driver, identified as 46-year-old Hila Powell, and a passenger, 49-year-old Brian Powell, were conscious and alert, but rescue workers could not safely approach the truck because of live power lines until utility workers from Ameren Missouri arrived to indicate the situation was safe.

Both occupants were then removed from the vehicle. Brian Powell received a minor injury to his left hand and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment, police reported.

A police accident report indicates the crash occurred due a brake failure on the truck. Both occupants were wearing seat belts.