ODESSA, DELAWARE (5/3/2015) A truck struck a utility pole on southbound U.S. 13 in Odessa today, taking down power lines and causing traffic detours for hours, Delaware State Police said.
The accident happened just after noon at High Street, a block north of Route 299.
The driver of the 2007 Ford Express construction van was identified as John Mathews, 68, of Wilmington. Police said he appeared to have suffered a medical event and was flown by state police helicoopter to Christiana Hospital.
Delmarva Power was on the scene making repairs, which police initially said were expected to keep the southbound lanes closed until about 5 p.m.
But police later reported that multiple poles needed replacement, and the work wasn’t completed and the road reopened late in the night.
Delmarva reported only about five customers without service in the area.