UPDATE: Pruden Boulevard/Route 460 has reopened, and traffic is flowing in all lanes, police say. Stay tuned for additional information.
Suffolk, Va. - A tractor trailer struck a power pole on Rt. 460 in Suffolk early this morning and overturned.
The accident happened around 1:32 a.m. on eastbound Pruden Boulevard/Route 460 near the intersection of Gardner Lane. Crews are still on the scene as of 10:30 a.m. Thursday morning.
Only the far right westbound lane is currently open in the 4600 block of Pruden Boulevard/Route 460 near the intersection of Gardner Lane. The two eastbound lanes and one westbound lane remain closed. Suffolk Public Works crews are assisting with alternating traffic.
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The preliminary investigation indicates that the tractor trailer lost control and ran off the road to the right, striking the pole. The driver was ground transported to Sentara Obici Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
A second tractor trailer is now on scene, to take the load from the tractor trailer that has crashed. The 18-wheeler, which landed on its side after striking the light pole, was hauling approximately 24,000 pounds of empty pallets.
Dominion Virginia Power has replaced the damaged light pole, and power lines are being reattached. Approximately eight customers have been affected and were without power.
Michael Perry Settle, age 55, of Sevierville, Tennessee was issued a summons for Reckless Driving.
All lanes are anticipated to re-open by 11:30 a.m.
The cause of the accident is under investigation.
UPDATE 4:35am Midtown Tunnel has reopened! 460 still working the crash in Suffolk See ya on the tele at 5am #NewsChannel3
— Kristen Crowley (@Kristencrowley3) February 20, 2014
