One man life-flighted after truck hits pole

A Kansas University student was transported to KU Hospital via air ambulance after his truck hit a pole near 15th and Iowa streets.

Emergency responders were dispatched at 1:34 a.m. to the area just west of Iowa Street. Sgt. Ted Bordman of the Lawrence Police Department said that Matthew Gerald Batterson, 19, was driving west on Bob Billings Parkway when his red Chevrolet S-10 slid and hit an overhead power line pole in the median. There was heavy damage to the passenger side of the truck.

A condition report for Batterson was not available Saturday night. He was the truck’s sole occupant.

Emergency responders reported a large fuel leak from the truck when they arrived at the scene. A hazmat team was not requested for cleanup.

Officials are still investigating the accident. It was unknown whether alcohol or slick roadways were contributing factors.

Check back to LJWorld.com for more details as they become available.