Utility Pole Collision Disrupts Traffic In Mahopac Area

According to the Carmel Police Department, a crash near Mahopac schools on Tuesday afternoon led to downed utility wires, road closures, and significant traffic headaches for parents trying to pick up their kids.

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Police say the incident happened shortly after 2 p.m. on June 9 at the intersection of Baldwin Place Road and Myrtle Avenue. Investigators say a 2024 GMC pickup truck traveling northbound on Baldwin Place Road crossed into the opposite lane while rounding a curve and slammed into a 2017 Hyundai sedan.

The crash didn't end there.

After hitting the Hyundai, the pickup continued across the roadway and struck a utility pole with enough force to snap it in half. The upper portion of the pole remained suspended by utility wires, which then came crashing down onto a 2022 Kia that was approaching the intersection from Myrtle Avenue.

The driver of the GMC, a 33-year-old local man, suffered what police described as a minor arm injury and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

During the investigation, officers discovered that the driver was allegedly operating the vehicle with a suspended New York State driver's license. He was issued summonses at the scene and is expected to appear in Carmel Justice Court at a later date.

The location of the crash created additional challenges because it sits near Mahopac High School, Mahopac Middle School, and Mahopac Falls School. The intersection had to be shut down for several hours while NYSEG and Verizon crews worked to repair the damaged utility pole and restore the downed lines.

Carmel PD

While school dismissal was delayed, officials said all three schools remained accessible through alternate routes.

Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Putnam County Sheriff's Office School Resource Officers, Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department, Carmel EMS, NYSEG, Verizon, and other emergency personnel.

Police say the investigation into the crash remains ongoing.