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Shelley Osterloh ReportingTwo people were trapped inside a car by a downed power line today in West Valley City.
The car was crushed, trapping a 79-year old woman and a 73-year old man. Crews were able to pull them out. They have some back and head injuries, but we're told it's nothing serious.
The pole fell onto the car after a semi truck, owned by A-1 Disposal, had its lift up. The driver told KSL he had just dropped off his load, forgot to put his lift down, and was driving along 4700 S. near 2700 W. when he felt it tug at the wires.
He saw sparks fly and knew he had caught a wire. The lift caught the power line, pulling on the wires and bringing the pole with live wires down.
Nua Havili, Truck Driver: "I looked back and I stopped my truck right away, and I know what's going on. I see the pole is right across the street and the power lines across the car, and I know I'm in big trouble."
Apparently someone on the scene ran to the hit car, warning the occupants not to get out as long as the wires were live. Stepping out of the car could have completed a circuit and seriously hurt or killed the people.
The accident caused major traffic trouble and took power out at many homes in the area.