EASTHAM – A vehicle burst into flames after colliding with a utility pole in Eastham. The crash happened on Nauset Road north of Cable Road sometime after 9:30 PM Sunday. Two people were able to get out of the vehicle before the car caught fire. Both victims were transported to Cape Cod Hospital with injuries that were believed to be serious but not life-threatening. Eversource was called to check the pole. The cause of the crash is under investigation by Eastham Police who reportedly detained one person at the scene.
Eastham Police report that due to an overnight motor vehicle crash, Nauset Road is closed between Cable Road and Old Orchard Road. If you are commuting to Nauset High School this morning, please take note and avoid the area. The best access to the school will be via Brackett Road to Nauset Road. Detour signs are being set up and police officers are in the area to assist motorists. We anticipate the road being reopened prior to school dismissal this afternoon.
Update from Eastham Police: On Sunday, September 29, 2024, at approximately 9:45 PM, the Eastham Police and Fire Departments were dispatched to the area of 2020 Nauset Road for a motor vehicle crash. The crash was reported as a motor vehicle striking a utility pole, with the vehicle actively on fire. The first arriving units located a vehicle and utility pole on fire with live electrical wires down on the ground. The crash had also caused the vehicle to roll over. The two occupants of the vehicle had been extricated from the vehicle, prior to the arrival of first responders, by nearby residents that had heard the crash. Both occupants suffered injuries.
The Eastham Fire Department worked to treat both patients as well as to control the vehicle fire while awaiting the arrival of Eversource to shut off the power to make the downed lines safe. The Wellfleet Fire Department also assisted at the scene.
After an on-scene investigation by Eastham Police Officers, the operator of the vehicle, Anthony Chiuchiolo, 21, of Wellfleet was placed under arrest for the following charges:
-Operating Under the Influence of Liquor Causing Serious Bodily Injury
-Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
-Marked Lanes Violation
-Speeding
Anthony Chiuchiolo was released by a bail commissioner on personal recognizance at approximately 3:00 AM and was due to be arraigned at the Orleans District Court Monday morning.
Nauset Road remained closed in the area for the duration of the night while repairs were made to the pole and utilities. The road was reopened at approximately 9:00 AM on Monday, however repairs are still ongoing as of the time of this release.
