TECO pole cracks after man crashes into it, pole stabilized to keep it from falling during rescue

VALRICO, Fla. - Authorities said it took nearly two hours to extract a man from his car after he crashed into a power pole, because the cracked pole had to be kept from falling on the victim Tuesday morning.

The driver was speeding southbound on Mt Carmel in Valrico about 12:20 a.m. when he lost control of the vehicle.

He crashed into the power pole at S. Mount Carmel Road and Brentwood Hills.

When emergency crews arrived and started to remove the victim, the pole started to move, so TECO was called to brace the pole during the rescue.

When they finally removed the victim, he was flown to the hospital with multiple injuries.

During the rescue, power had to be shut off for several residents in the area.

South Mt. Carmel Road was shut down while TECO fixed the pole, but has since re-opened.

Charges are pending and the crash remains under investigation.