Drunk driver crashes into Nanaimo hydro pole, police say

A jeep crashed into a BC Hydro pole is seen in this image handed out by the Nanaimo RCMP.

A man is lucky to have walked away mostly unharmed after crashing into a BC Hydro pole while under the influence, Mounties in Nanaimo say.

The crash happened Monday around 11:30 p.m. at the intersection of Morden and Aikenhead roads, according to the detachment, which says the force of the collision almost sheared the pole in half.

Police say the driver—a man in his early 60s—was out of the vehicle when they arrived and had been medically cleared by attending paramedics.

“Evidence obtained at the scene led officers to believe the individual had been driving and was under the influence of alcohol,” a Nanaimo RCMP news release issued Tuesday reads.

The man allegedly failed two breathalyser tests and was handed a 90-day driving ban while his vehicle was towed from the scene.

“Because of the decision this individual made to drink and drive, significant front-line emergency resources were tied up for an extended period of time and unable to attend to other emergency calls for service,” said Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, in the release.

Police reminded drivers to call 911 if they suspect someone is impaired behind the wheel.