NJ driver shuts off lights in So. Herkimer County after accident

HERKIMER COUNTY, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) -- A New Jersey driver and his two passengers were hospitalized after he crashed into a power pole, sending power lines down across the Thruway on Wednesday and putting several towns in Southern Herkimer County in the dark. New York State Police officers were called to the one-car crash on the New York State Thruway in the village of Herkimer at approximately 8:40 pm on Wednesday, March 11. Upon their arrival, officers said that several wires were down, blocking all lanes. Further investigation found that the driver of the car -- later identified as 26-year-old Horace Quemir Thompson of New Jersey, was driving his car eastbound when he lost control and veered off the road. As Thompson veered off the road, his car struck a National Grid utility pole, breaking off the top of the pole and bringing wires down across the entire Thruway. The villages of Herkimer, Mohawk and Ilion, plus surrounding areas south of the New York State Thruway were without power for several hours. New York State Police also diverted westbound traffic to Exit 29A in Little Falls and eastbound traffic was diverted off of Exit 30 as crews worked to restore the pole and remove wires. Officers say that the pole and wires are in the process of being replaces as of Thursday, March 12. Thompson and his adult passenger -- 33-year-old Yenitza Alvarze of New Jersey, suffered minor injuries. An infant passenger was not injured; however, all three were transported to the Wynn Hospital in Utica for evaluation. Thompson was issued a citation for speeding, returnable to Herkimer Village Court at a later date. New York State Police were assisted on the scene by National Grid, the New York State Thruway Maintenance and Traffic units, the Mohawk Valley Ambulance Corps and the Herkimer Fire Department.