Paoli, IN: A lineman working for the Paoli City Utilities was critically injured this morning after being struck by a passing vehicle.
Around 5:55 A.M., William J. Longest, 45, Paoli, was working with his partner on a utility pole along the north side US 150, just east of Willowcreek Drive. The service truck was parked partially in the westbound lane with its amber caution lights activated. While the other member of Longest’s crew was in the service bucket elevating towards the pole, Longest was on the ground at the rear of the truck, operating a spot light.
As the utility crew was preparing to work, James C. Risk, Jr., 73, Salem, was traveling westbound on US 150 in a 2004 Jeep Wrangler. Risk failed to recognize the roadway obstruction of the utility service truck, and swerved into the eastbound lane. As he swerved, Risk struck Longest with the passenger side of the Jeep, and ran over the outrigger stabilizer extended from the utility truck, flattening both passenger side tires of the Jeep. The impact pushed Longest over the outrigger, throwing him to the ground. Risk lost control of the jeep after impacting the truck and Longest, and crashed into a ditch approximately 120 feet west of the truck.
Longest was transported to IU Health of Paoli, where he was flown by helicopter to the University of Louisville Hospital. He is currently listed in stable condition, with the full extent of his injuries unknown. US 150 was closed for approximately five hours while the crash was investigated. The crash remains under investigation.
Investigating Officers: Trooper Robert Lambert, Trooper Noah Ewing
Crash Reconstructionist: Sergeant Philip Hensley
Assisting agencies: Paoli Police Department, Paoli Fire and Rescue, IU Health EMS
*Attached photographs are of the vehicles at the scene
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