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Shaler Crash Closes Route 8 In Both Directions

SHALER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) – Route 8 was closed in both directions due to an accident early Friday morning.

According to emergency officials, the accident happened shortly after 3 a.m.

Zachary Behm, 27, of Gibsonia lost control of his car, went off the road and struck a telephone pole and guard rail. The impact caused the pole to lean over Route 8.

Duquesne Light said the wires were so low that a snack truck snagged a guide cable when it came through. As a result, it brought the pole down into the middle of the road.

According to police, the pole and guide cable struck Behm, which caused severe injuries. He was taken to a local hospital and was last listed in critical condition.

Behm had gotten out of his vehicle and was talking on his cell phone prior to being struck.

For hours, Route 8 was closed in both directions between Pennview Avenue and Butler Plank Road. It reopened just after 7 a.m.

There was only one customer who suffered a power outage after the pole came down. Their service was expected to be restored by early afternoon.

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