UPDATE: Two-car accident knocks out power pole and traffic light

A two-car accident on the west end of Ishpeming knocked out a power pole and traffic light, sending three people to the hospital.

Ishpeming Police say it happened around 2:00 p.m. when a Ford F550 service truck heading eastbound on U.S. 41 ran a red light and t-boned a Ford E350 full size van heading southbound on Lakeshore Drive, causing it to spin out onto the side of the road. The service truck careened off into the southeast corner of the intersection, crashing into a power pole attached to the traffic light. The fixtures on the east and south end of the intersection touched down, blocking off traffic in either direction. The 36-year-old Minnesota service truck driver, who was en route to a nearby Holiday Gas Station, was unharmed. Three passengers in the backseat of the van were transported by Bell EMS to the hospital to treat what are believed to be minor injuries.

Michigan State Police, the Marquette County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ishpeming Fire Department closed off two lanes on U.S. 41 in either direction, rerouting traffic through the Country Village to Lakeshore Drive.

UPPCO and MDOT crews were on scene attempting to repair and lift traffic lights around the intersection. MDOT has put the remaining traffic to constant flashing. Ishpeming Police are requesting that drivers stay away from the intersection if possible. If you have to use the intersection, be advised that U.S. 41 traffic has the right of way for the time being with a yellow flashing caution light. Lakeshore traffic will have a flashing red light, acting as a stop sign.