A driver was seriously hurt–and had to wait for rescuers to get to him until his car was “de-energized,” as live electric lines were on top of it–and 200 customers lost power after a vehicle crash took down a utility pole at Kings Colony Court and Old Kings Road at 6:45 this evening.
Old Kings Road was shut down in both directions from Celico Way to Fleetwood Drive as rescuers first worked on extricating the man from the vehicle, then Florida Power and Light personnel started working on re-stringing power lines. That job may last “a couple of hours,” Palm Coast Fire Chief Mike Beadle said.
Old Kings Road itself was re-opened to traffic by 7:45 p.m., but Kings Colony Court South was expected to remain closed until around 10:30 p.m. as power crews worked the lines.
The driver, Timothy Heitzman, 61, of Jacksonville, was traveling south on Old Kings Road when he inexplicably veered off into the grassy shoulder until he collided with a metal utility pole, a Florida Highway Patrol investigation stated. Beadle said the collision unearthed the utility pole’s concrete padding. “The crews couldn’t get to the car because it was energized, so they had to wait for FPL to get there to kill the grid,” the fire chief said. “But they were talking to the guy the whole time.” He was taken to Halifax hospital in Daytona Beach, by ground (Flagler County’s Rescue 22 was the ambulance.)
The crash took down power in the neighborhood, but Palm Coast public works crews were at the scene within minutes restoring power to several traffic signals. “Kudos to our public works team, they came up and put up emergency generators at all the lights, to traffic lights were up within 20 minutes of the wreck,” Beadle said.
The Palm Coast Fire Department’s Engines 21 and 22 also responded, as did the Florida Highway Patrol, which is conducting the crash investigation, the sheriff’s office, and the Palm Coast Fire Police, which is redirecting traffic.
Avoid the affected area if you can.
Greg Feldman says
Lot more than 200 customers I bet. I live 2 miles away and was out for an hour, as was a friend near European Village. The joys of minimizing!
Crystal says
We didn’t lose power on fleetwood! I left there at 7 and we were still fine
eric says
Greg Feldman- At least we are commenting on the important things. I am certainly glad this individual in the vehicle wasn’t a family member of yours. But keep in mind that he IS someone’s. Your comment gives truth to the old saying…. “it takes all kinds of people to make the world go ’round “
Louise says
2,612 customers without power. But FPL did a great job restoring power.
Longman says
Did you make it thru ok Greg?
Ken Dodge says
Half of the businesses in the Island Walk Shopping Center also were without power.
Buckley says
9:32PM and the power is still out. Four trucks full of men are simply sitting inside their vehicles talking to one another while nothing gets done to resolve this issue. Very poor service and response time.
Tommy says
Way to go public works dept, Palm Coast Fire rescue and FP&L for their awesome work. Prayers for the driver.
Oh WOW says
The power over in my neighborhood was cutting in and out for about 10 minutes. But it was restored. I was wondering what the hell was goin on.
Old Lady says
Hats off to rescue workers and FPL
palmcoaster says
Hope Driver recovers and explains why…
I can hear vehicles around this area with their engines roaring like we are in the Daytona Nascar Speedway.
The speed limits signs are often ignored. Otherwise someone tell me at what speed was this car going to destroy that pole.
palmcoaster says
Kudos to the City of Palm Coast Public Works and Fire Department for the quick response!! Also to our Sheriff Dept. Sad we just lost a good Sheriff.
Ray says
We lost power at King Commons shopping center, fortunately my business was closed for the day. Great admiration for the FPL quick response and the emergency services team that kept traffic control. We have it good here in Palm Coast with such dedicated and well trained emergency reaction teams.
William harvey says
Why is FHP investigating this ? Isn’t outlaw enforcement agency qualify to handle it or they are only good for traffic control
Hmmm says
How did that happen? Those poles aren’t close to the street. Did he lose consciousness? THATS A 35 MPH ZONE!!!
Frank says
Grand Haven was also affected.
Resident says
William Harvey, FHP investigates all crashes with injuries, fatalities or ones that involve power. I probably did not cover each scene they are involved in, but the majority that are NOT a typical fender bender will involve FHP. With that said, I am happy to hear this man was well enough to be transported by land rather than helicopter. I pray his injuries are minimal and his family didn’t haven’t to suffer the loss of their lived one. That’s something you don’t want to have to endure. It’s heartbreaking.
Anonymous says
I hope FL updates us the why of it
Outsider says
It sounds like some sort of medical incapacitation. Maybe his foot jammed on the accelerator because it looks like he was going faster than 35 MPH. I hope he recovers fully..