A driver was flown to the hospital after he was left critically injured and trapped when his car crashed into a pole, causing significant damage, in Harvard Thursday morning.
The Harvard Fire Protection District and Harvard Police Department responded around 1:34 a.m. Thursday to the 7800 block of Route 14 in Harvard for a report of a vehicle crash.
Harvard Fire Protection District Public Information Officer Alex Vucha said fire crews located a vehicle that had struck a utility pole.
The vehicle had sustained significant damage and the adult male driver was found trapped inside.
A leaning power line created an additional hazard at the scene, prompting immediate coordination with utility officials, Vucha said.
Vucha said the force of the impact had peeled back the driver’s side of the vehicle and resulted in “urgent extrication.”
Firefighters freed the driver within 10 minutes and initiated lifesaving measures.
A LifeNet medical helicopter and MD-1, an emergency physician response vehicle, were requested to the scene.
The helicopter landed nearby and airlifted the victim, who suffered critical and life-threatening injuries, to Javon Bea Hospital — Riverside in Rockford for treatment, Vucha said.
The roadway was shut down for three hours and reopened by 4:30 a.m.
ComEd was expected to remain in the area throughout the morning to complete repairs to the damaged utility pole.
The Harvard Fire Protection District was assisted by the Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts and the Hebron-Alden-Greenwood Fire Protection District.
The Harvard Police Department is investigating the cause of the crash and has not yet released further information.