Fayette County man killed when car strikes pole, catches fire
A Fayette County man was killed in a crash early Saturday in Redstone Township, state police said.
Kristopher Michael John, 31, of Republic, was pronounced dead at the scene of the single-vehicle wreck on Route 166, according to county Coroner Dr. Bob Baker.
Police said John was driving south at a high rate of speed shortly after 2 a.m. when his car struck a guard rail and utility pole. According to police, the force of the impact severed the pole, causing the upper part of the pole and an attached transformer to fall onto the hood of the car.
The car then caught fire, police said.
TribLive news partner WTAE reported a portion of the road was closed for hours while police investigated.
Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.
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