On Monday, Nov. 8, shortly after 3 p.m., Hicksville firefighters were alerted to a freak car accident on New South Road near Gerald Avenue. A car driven by an unidentified female left the roadway, struck a large utility pole, snapped it in half and then continued on for an estimated 50 feet before crashing into a chain link fence and coming to rest against a tree. The crash downed a power line, which energized a chain link fence that stretched for five blocks.

Passerbys removed the driver from the burning vehicle, somehow without being electrocuted. It appeared the energized portion of the fence was severed from the section of fence the car was on. Had any part of the fence been connected to the section the car was on, the rescuers would have been electrocuted. Luck was with the rescuers.

Brush fires were reported throughout the area from power surges. Several homeowners on Gerald Avenue reported power surge damage. The power lines were reported to be 13,200-volt transmission lines. Three Hicksville units responded under command of Chief Steve Doucette. The Bethpage Fire Department also responded with an engine for a brush fire in their district. Nassau County medics transported the driver to the hospital.

Fire officials do not wish to down play the efforts of the rescuers, but they wish to point out that anytime a utility pole and/or downed wires are present it is extremely dangerous and the utmost caution must be used before touching anything. Even the ground can be charged if conditions are right. Serious injuries can occur. This accident recalled a similar incident on Duffy Avenue in the 1970's where a truck struck a pole. Rescuers attempted to extricate a victim and were killed instantly.