Man Loses Control of Vehicle, Slams Into Utility Pole on Van Emburgh Ave

In less than 24 hours, two drivers in separate incidents were rushed to the hospital after crashing into telephone poles in Ridgewood.

At approximately 5:45 p.m. Sunday, a 72-year-old man lost control of his vehicle while driving north on Van Emburgh Avenue near the Washington Township border and struck a telephone pole head-on.

The base of the pole was split, and according to Ridgewood Police Chief John Ward, the impact also damaged another utility pole near Allison Court. 

Members of the Ridgewood Fire Department extricated the victim from the Honda. He was rushed to Valley Hospital with what were called moderate, non-life-threatening injuries. He had complained of lacerations and chest pains, police said.

The driver appeared to have lost control of the vehicle at Orville Place and drove about 100 feet before slamming into the pole. Police are continuing to investigate the incident.

Van Emburgh Avenue has been closed between East Glen Avenue and Hampshire Road as Public Service workers repair the damaged poles.

About 18 hours prior, police said a driver hit a utility pole at the intersection of Franklin and Maple Avenues before striking another pole near Ridgewood High School.

The force of the crash sent the driver, a Ridgewood resident, through the windshield. He was rushed to St. Joseph's Hospital in serious condition.