BC Hydro crews continue to work on repairing a damaged power pole in Esquimalt Wednesday morning after an impaired driver crashed into it with a semi-truck.
According to a Victoria Police press release, a patrol officer was driving behind the semi-truck when it crashed into a hydro pole at the intersection of Admirals Road and Esquimalt Road.
Police said that the incident took place just after 9 p.m. on Tuesday evening. The patrol officer behind the semi-truck witnessed the vehicle – which was carrying a 60-foot long piling – collide with a power pole. Police said that the impact of the collision sheared the pole in two, leaving it hanging by only the tension wires.
According to the officer, the driver of the semi-truck did not stop following the collision.
VicPD proceeded to conduct a traffic stop and while the officer was approaching the vehicle, a nearby witness reported that the semi-truck driver had thrown a brown paper bag containing a partially consumed bottle of alcohol from the vehicle following the crash.
Police found the driver to be impaired and took him into custody.
More on last night's impaired crash in #Esquimalt. A Patrol officer was behind the semi-truck – which was carrying a 60ft long piling, when it struck a hydro pole at Admirals & Esquimalt roads. The pole was sheared in half. The driver of the semi didn't stop. (1/4) #yyjtraffic
— Victoria Police (@vicpdcanada) October 7, 2020
According to VicPD, the driver of the semi-truck was issued an administrative driving prohibition and several tickets. The result is a 90-day impound of the vehicle, a ticket for driving without due care and attention, a ticket for failing to remain at the scene of a collision and the seizure of the semi-truck driver’s license.
Police said that the intersection was closed overnight as BC Hydro crews worked to repair the damage sustained by the power pole.
Authorities say that repairs have continued through Wednesday morning and traffic is still being affected in the area.
Graham Cox
