COLCHESTER –– A motor vehicle crash closed both lanes of US Route 7 near Grandview Road on Sunday evening after a vehicle struck a utility pole and caught fire.
The crash, reported at approximately 8:14 p.m. through multiple 911 calls, led to downed power lines and a transformer falling onto the roadway.
The vehicle’s operator, 63-year-old Craig Benson of Milton, and a passenger managed to exit the burning vehicle unscathed, according to Chief Allen of Colchester Police.
Despite the immediate response from fire crews, the blaze could not be extinguished until Green Mountain Power crews arrived on the scene to ensure safety.
Colchester Police, assisted by Milton Police, closed the roadway and redirected traffic.
The vehicle, a 2023 Subaru, was declared a total loss. Speed has been identified as a contributing factor in the crash.
The driver was not impaired, and both occupants were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash, according to authorities.
The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. US Route 7 remains closed and is expected to be reopened within the hour.
