Female driver crashes into utility pole after medical episode

NEGAUNEE — The eastbound shoulder of US-41 was closed between the Negaunee-Ishpeming line Wednesday morning after a car went off the road and knocked down a utility pole.

The incident happened at 4:25 a.m. on US-41 near Malton Road, which is near the Ishpeming Armory and North Iron Church.

Negaunee police say a 48-year-old Ishpeming woman apparently had a medical episode before her 2012 Chevrolet Impala veered off the highway and hit a power pole. The pole broke and fell into the eastbound traffic lane of US-41.

Officers say the woman appeared physically uninjured after the crash, thanks in part to using her seat belt and airbag deployment.

The woman was taken to UP Health System-Bell as a precaution.

The Negaunee Fire Department, Negaunee Police Department and UPHS-EMS responded to the scene, along with the Negaunee City Electrical Department and Anttila’s Towing.