Traffic has returned to normal on part of West 12th impacted when a minivan crashed into a utility pole Saturday morning.
West 12th was shut down between Constitution and Neosho for several hours, but the pole was eventually replaced, letting the street return to normal traffic.
Noon Saturday: Emporia PD: Report of potential minivan issue leads to utility pole crash on West 12th
Part of West 12th Avenue will remain closed for some time after a hit-and-run crash into a utility pole in north-central Emporia on Saturday.
Emporia Police Sgt. Tim Wacker tells KVOE News the incident developed in the 300 block of West 12th outside the Emporia State Federal Credit Union main facility around 9:10 am. A vehicle, later determined to be a minivan, was eastbound on 12th before crossing both the center stripe and westbound traffic. The van hit the pole before going back to the eastbound lane and continuing on its way.
Wacker says officers found the vehicle and its driver, Angeline Niedfeldt of Allen, less than two hours after the incident. She reported being distracted by a possible problem with her van, causing her to drift into the pole.
Word on citations is currently pending.
The incident sheared the utility pole off at the base, leaving the top two-thirds of the pole hanging from nearby wires and putting extra stress on nearby poles as a result. Evergy has been on scene since before 11 am to determine the best course of action.
West 12th remains blocked until further notice between Constitution and State. Emporia Police encourage drivers to find other ways around the detour zone.
9:45-10:45 am Saturday: More streets closed as precaution as Emporia PD investigates potential hit-and-run crash into utility pole
Emporia Police are investigating after an apparent hit-and-run incident that damaged a utility pole in north-central Emporia on Saturday.
The early indications, according to officers on scene, are a vehicle of currently unknown make and model was eastbound on 12th Avenue when it crossed the center line and went across westbound traffic before hitting a utility pole outside the Emporia State Federal Credit Union main branch in the 300 block of West 12th shortly after 9 am. The vehicle was nowhere in sight when Emporia Police and Emporia Fire arrived a few minutes later.
The pole was sheared off at the base, but the top two-thirds of the pole remained attached to the overhead wires — putting extra stress on nearby poles.
Evergy is now determining the best path forward. This incident remains under investigation.
Twelfth is currently blocked between State and Constitution, while Congress is blocked between 11th and 12th. State is now shut down between 12th and 13th.
Stay with KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media for updates.
