Motor Vehicle Catches Fire After Williamstown Crash

A motor vehicle that slammed into utility pole on Syndicate Road ignited but the occupant were not seriously injured.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Syndicate Road was closed briefly on Thursday evening after a vehicle crashed into a utility pole near the intersection with North Street (Route 7).

Thomas B. Bourn of Henderson Road was cited for negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation and speeding after hitting the pole while attempting to make a turn onto Syndicate Road from the southbound lane of North Street, Williamstown Police Officer Michael Ziemba said on Friday.

Bourn and his one passenger were evaluated by personnel from Village Ambulance, treated for minor injuries and released at the scene, Ziemba said.

The accident occurred at 5:42 p.m. Thursday.

Bourn's vehicle ignited and burned after impact with the utility pole, which was bent at its base. Char marks were visible about two-thirds of the way up the pole.

Williamstown Fire Department personnel responded to the scene.

Utility crews were on the scene until 3:30 a.m. Friday replacing the pole.

Syndicate Road was reopened but was closed again on Friday morning for an unrelated issue connected to a water main, Ziemba said.

Ziemba said he did not believe any residents lost electricity service as a result of the accident. A small portion of nearby Williams College was affected, he said. National Grid personnel were able to quickly restore service.