Charlestown-Richmond Crews Secure Snapped Pole and Live Wires in Washington County

Charlestown, RI - Emergency responders from the Charlestown-Richmond Fire Department and neighboring public safety agencies responded Wednesday afternoon to a motor vehicle collision involving a severed utility pole and downed electrical lines in Washington County.

Units were dispatched during the afternoon hours of Wednesday, November 4, 2026, for a reported car-versus-pole accident in Charlestown. First-due companies arrived to find a vehicle that had violently struck a utility pole, snapping the upright and bringing power lines into the roadway.

Due to the electrical hazards and obstruction, emergency personnel immediately shut down the roadway to all traffic. Firefighters assisted the driver and a second vehicle occupant, transferring both individuals to Charlestown Ambulance-Rescue Service (CARS) paramedics on scene for clinical evaluation.

A flatbed wrecker was dispatched to clear and tow the heavily damaged vehicle, while utility crews from Rhode Island Energy were summoned to isolate the electrical hazard, clear downed conductors, and begin emergency replacement of the snapped utility pole.

Mutual aid throughout the Washington County incident was provided by the Cross' Mills Fire Department and the Charlestown Police Department.