CHELSEA, MA — A dump truck struck utility wires and caused multiple utility poles to fall early Monday morning, resulting in widespread power outages and road closures.
Chelsea Police officers responded to the intersection of Pearl Street and Essex Street at approximately 3:30 a.m. for a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a utility pole.
Officers located a yellow EZ Disposal Services, Inc. dump truck near the intersection of Ellsworth Street and Congress Avenue.
The operator reported that while traveling on Pearl Street and turning onto Essex Street and subsequently Ellsworth Street, he observed utility poles falling and later noticed wires on top of his truck.
He stated he believed the vehicle may have come into contact with low-hanging wires.
Several poles were damaged as a result of the collision.
Two parked vehicles sustained damage after fallen utility poles landed on them.
Privately owned buildings were also affected due to connected utility lines.
All available patrol units, Chelsea Fire Department and utility companies responded to the scene to secure the area and mitigate public safety risks.
Approximately 100 feet of fire alarm cable and two terminal boxes were reported damaged.
The incident caused power outages affecting local residents, traffic congestion and road closures, detours to MBTA bus routes and limited access to nearby businesses and the Early Learning Center.
Chelsea Public Schools administrators and MBTA supervisors were notified to assist with response efforts.
The operator of the dump truck declined medical evaluation on scene, stating he was not injured.
The Chelsea Police Department Traffic Division is investigating the crash.
