Manchester Van Crash Cripples Utility Pole, Driver Unhurt

Detours stay in place on Route 530 in Manchester, where a van rammed a utility pole early this morning.

Michael A. Eitel, Jr., 21, of West Berlin, declined medical attention after his van veered off the rain-slicked highway at Swift Circle and slammed the pole around 7:22 AM, said police.

But the damage to the pole was extensive enough to prompt rerouting of traffic for what police call "an undetermined period of time" while repairs get underway.

Whiting volunteer firefighters and Quality Medical Transport staffers assisted. Patrolman Stephen Hankins is heading the investigation surrounding the crash.