HERKIMER, NY — State Police responded to a one-car crash on the New York State Thruway that resulted in downed power lines blocking all westbound and eastbound lanes at approximately 8:38 p.m. Wednesday.
Horace Quemir Thompson, 26, of New Jersey, was operating a 2022 Acura TLX eastbound when he lost control and veered off the road, striking a National Grid utility pole, according to police.
The impact caused the top of the pole to break off and fall to the ground, bringing the wires down across all lanes of the highway in both directions.
All westbound traffic was diverted off at Exit 29A, with eastbound traffic diverted off Exit 30 for about four hours as crews worked to safely remove the wires.
The pole and wires are in the process of being replaced as of Thursday.
Thompson and his passenger, Yenitza Alvarze, 33, of New Jersey, suffered minor injuries.
An infant passenger was not injured.
All three were transported to Wynn Hospital for evaluation.
Thompson was issued a citation for speeding and is due in Herkimer Village Court at a later date.
In addition to troopers from the State Police Schuyler station, the Herkimer Fire Department, Mohawk Valley Ambulance, Thruway Maintenance and Traffic units, and National Grid responded.
