Flying cicada caused driver to crash car into pole, Cincinnati police say
A flying cicada was blamed for causing a car crash in Ohio. The insect flew through an open window, striking the driver in the face on Monday night, Cincinnati police said.
The motorist drove off the road and crashed into a utility pole, damaging the vehicle.
The motorist sustained minor injuries, but police tweeted photos showing the car was heavily damaged.
#Crash single car into a pole at 2600 Riverside Drive. Caused by a cicada that flew in through an open window striking the driver in the face. #nothinggoodhappenswithcicadas #cicadas2021 pic.twitter.com/0WWUM8y5Ye
— Cincinnati Police Department (@CincyPD) June 7, 2021
Cicadas are swarming over more than a dozen eastern states. They're part of Brood X, which emerge from the ground every 17 years to mate.
Some have marked the insects' return by featuring them in recipes, but the Food and Drug Administration urged people with a seafood allergy to not eat them.
Cincinnati police advised motorists to keep their windows closed for the time being.