Logging truck takes down power lines in Appleton, minivan destroyed by fire
The Union Road in Appleton was closed to traffic after a logging truck brought down low-hanging wires, which dropped onto a minivan that was traveling behind the truck. The arcing wires set the van ablaze. (Photo courtesy Appleton Fire Dept.)
The Union Road in Appleton was closed to traffic after a logging truck brought down low-hanging wires, which dropped onto a minivan that was traveling behind the truck. The arcing wires set the van ablaze. (Photo courtesy Appleton Fire Dept.)APPLETON — It was a dramatic mid-day along the Union Road (Route 131) in Appleton March 10 after a logging truck carrying a full load of trees hit low-hanging power lines just before 11:30 a.m. Those wires then fell across a minivan that had been traveling along the road behind the truck, arcing and igniting a fire that engulfed the vehicle.
Fortunately, the driver and passenger were able to escape the burning van, and the logging truck driver was likewise able to find safety.
The stretch of Union Road from Route 17 in Union to Appleton Village is well-traveled, and as firefighters responded from both Union and Appleton, it was apparent that the road needed to be closed immediately. Electrical wires were lying in the road, a minivan was in flames, and a large truck laden with logs was immobilized.
From the southerly approach to the scene, at 453 Union Road, Union Fire and Rescue responded with two engines and an ambulance. There, Union Fire Dept. Deputy Chief Nicholas Ciasullo was first at the scene and set up command, while from the north, Appleton Fire Department member Noah Rousseau closed off the road at Appleton Village, and stationed with an engine until Central Maine Power could arrive and shut down the electricity at nearby poles.
Hope firefighters also responded with a tanker, and diverted traffic at the Route 17 intersection away from the Union Road.
In addition to mutual aid, Rousseau also credited a crew of Lucas Tree Experts, who just happened to be traveling along the road, for jumping out of their truck near the crash, setting up cones, and assisting with traffic control.
"We send them a big thanks for their tremendous help," he said.
The minivan fire was extinguished with water and foam, said Rousseau, but the vehicle was destroyed.
"The burning car was our biggest concern," said Rousseau. "When power lines are on a vehicle it can be a bad situation."
As of 3 p.m., the power remained out in the area around Appleton Village, with approximately 412 — half of Appleton's 800 CMP customers — without electricity. The power extends along lines from a Union substation to Appleton Village.
The Union Road was reopened to traffic.
Reach Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657
