Tractor-trailer splinters pole in Blodgett Mills

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It was, the neighbors said, quite the site, but not the first time they've seen it.

A tractor-trailer collided with a utility pole Monday afternoon on Blodgett Mills Road in Cortlandville, coming to rest with the pole sitting atop the rig.

"I didn't see it, but I heard the crash," said Thomas Heotzler, who lives at Blodgett Mills and Clute roads. "I could tell there was something on top of the truck."

The truck was heading east, coming down a steep hill on Blodgett Mills Road just west of the Tioughnioga River. The pole was shattered, and utility lines spread across the road.

"That corner is notorious for people running into poles or going off the road," he added.

Power remained on for many neighbors following the crash, which Cortlandville firefighters said occurred at 2:24 p.m., but neighbors said their internet access was out. National Grid reported that five customers lost power at 2:28 p.m., but the utility expected to restore it by 5:30 p.m.

The Cortland County Sheriff's Office, Cortlandville Fire Department and National Grid all responded to the scene, but details were unavailable.

— Todd R. McAdam