A Ramapo Highway Department pickup truck caught fire one Wednesday after its driver swerved to avoid a dog in the road and struck a utility pole, police said. The Highway Department employee injured his arm during the one-vehicle crash on Wilder Road at about 1:15 p.m.
The driver was able to get out of the truck on his own and put himself a safe distance from the flaming vehicle, police said. He was later taken to Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern for treatment.
According to police, the driver said he lost control of the truck while swerving to avoid hitting a dog; the truck then crossed the double yellow lines, went off the road, and struck the pole.
The Tallman Fire Department extinguished the flames. Officials said Orange and Rockland Utilities also responded.