PPL workers remain on scene after a vehicle struck a traffic light at the Leiby’s intersection at routes 309 and 443 in West Penn Township early this morning.

Township police Chief Brian Johnson said the incident occurred at 1:50 a.m. when a Ford F150 pickup struck the support pole of the traffic lights, knocking wires onto the road.

“The vehicle was coming off 443 and turning onto 309 north,” Johnson said. “Somehow, it jumped the curbing, which is quite high, hit the telephone pole, knocked that down, backed up, and ran over the box.”

Johnson said the driver left the scene of the crash, and that the incident is pending investigation as police continue to monitor surveillance from other businesses in the area.

“We know who owns the vehicle; we did contact him,” he said. “It’s still pending investigation; he’s claiming that the vehicle was stolen.”

Johnson said that since the township owns the intersection, and because the vehicle had no insurance on it, the burden would be on the township.

He said the computer box that operates the controls of the traffic light was knocked down, and that the estimated damage is $40,000.

Johnson said traffic is open, but there are two stops signs on 443 at Clamtown and Dairy roads.

In addition, he said PPL had its traffic control on scene, and that they were expected to be on scene for several hours.

Johnson said there were no injuries.

He said also assisting at the scene were the West Penn Fire Company and West Penn Township fire police also assisted at the scene.

Johnson asked anyone who witnessed the crash to call the West Penn Township Police Department at 570-386-1100.