Saanich police are asking for witnesses to an unusual crash Monday morning where a driver hit a parked car on Beckwith Avenue and then sheared off a power pole on Quadra Street, knocking out power to thousands of customers in the north Quadra area.
Saanich police said preliminary evidence suggested the car driver was not impaired. She was taken to hospital with minor injuries for assessment.
A woman who was just metres from the power pole before it was struck said the driver — who she estimated to be 65 to 75 years old — was alert following the crash and talking.
The witness was walking her dogs and had her back turned when the car drove into the pole and stopped a fair distance beyond. The dogs received minor injuries from flying debris and as they scrambled to get away from the chaotic scene.
Saanich police Sgt. Damian Kowalewich said Thursday that an investigation into the collisions is ongoing, and includes determining whether the driver is fit to operate a motor vehicle.
Saanich’s traffic safety unit is asking anyone who was in the area at the time of the collision to call the department’s non-emergency line to share what they observed.
“In addition, anyone with dashcam or recordings of any type could be helpful,” Kowalewich said.
