Driver crashes into utility pole, vehicle catches fire in Clarendon

CLARENDON — A 50-year-old West Rutland man crashed his vehicle into a utility pole Monday morning, causing the car to catch fire.

Michael Firpo was driving a 2025 Subaru Forester south on Cold River Road near North Shrewsbury Road at approximately 10:24 a.m. when he failed to maintain his lane of travel, according to Vermont State Police.

The vehicle exited the right side of the roadway and collided with a utility pole before catching fire.

Firpo sustained minor injuries and was transported by Regional Ambulance Service to Rutland Regional Medical Center.

The vehicle was totaled in the crash.

Weather conditions were clear and road conditions were normal at the time of the accident.

A Vermont civil violation complaint is pending.