A 56 year old Manchester man was airlifted after a midnight crash on Highway 70 east early Sunday morning.
The accident was reported at 12:03 a.m.
Trooper Bobby Johnson of the Tennessee Highway Patrol told WJLE that 56 year old Roy Gipson was driving a 2002 Ford F150 west on US 70 when he ran off right side of road and hit a utility pole causing power lines to fall on the truck. Not knowing if the lines were still hot, EMS and firefighters waited for a crew from the electric company to arrive to make sure the power was off before accessing the truck to get Gipson out.
Gipson was airlifted from the scene by a Life Force helicopter ambulance and flown to Erlanger Hospital.
Charges are pending. Trooper Johnson said alcohol was a factor in the crash. Gipson said he fell asleep while driving.
Members of the DeKalb EMS, Sheriff’s Department, and DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department were also on the scene.
Archived News & Obituaries