UPDATE 5:09 PM: Temple police reported late Wednesday afternoon that the driver of the pickup has passed away as a result of his injuries. Police were withholding the driver's identity pending notification of next of kin.


 

Police are investigating after the driver of a pickup truck struck a utility pole, then drove into the side of a house in Temple Wednesday afternoon.

Temple Fire and Rescue reports that a man behind the wheel of the truck was traveling south on Avenue M when he struck a pole at 35th Street, then kept going and came to rest inside a home at 1304 South 37th Street.



The driver's condition wasn't available early Wednesday afternoon, but firefighter say he was the sole occupant of the vehicle. One person who was inside the home was transported to Baylor Scott & White Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Thankfully, no other injuries were reported.

Temple Fire & Rescue Photo
Temple Fire & Rescue Photo
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Police closed Avenue M after the crash, and said businesses and homes nearby could be without power for a while.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Police have not said if slick roads were a factor (the crash occurred before heavy rains moved into Temple later in the afternoon), but I want to remind everyone to take it easy out there as rains continue, possibly into Thursday morning. Not only will roads be slick, but there could be flooding along roadways and crossings.

Last week, a Temple Fire and Rescue crew was called to rescue a man who became stranded atop his vehicle in a creek in the area of 3237 Riverside Trail. The man had tried to drive through high water, and his car was swept off the road.

It only takes a couple of inches of water to sweep away a light vehicle, and not much more to sweep away trucks and even school buses.

Even if you aren't swept away, you could hydroplane on a slick road. If that happens, DON'T PANIC. Just take your foot off the gas (do not slam on your breaks) and gently steer in the direction you need to be going in.

If you do find yourself approaching an area with water covering the roadway, find another route. They say "Turn Around, Don't Drown" for a reason. It's not worth risking your life and those of your passengers.

Be safe out there, Central Texas.

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