HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. - Thousands of people were without electricity for several hours overnight after a suspected drunk driver crashed into a power pole in Sumner County.
The incident happened around 11 p.m. Tuesday, in the area of Curtis Crossroads in Hendersonville.
According to police officials, a suspected drunk driver lost control around a curve, drove several yards and hit a tree before crashing into a power pole.
The impact of the collision snapped the pole in half. Wednesday morning, the downed pole could be seen blocking both lanes of Curtis Crossroads.
The biggest job was not only to restore power, but to also clear the road. A crew with Nashville Electric Service arrived and was working to remove pole.
As of 5 a.m., only two customers were without power. However, at the time of the crash, around 2,700 customers lost power.
One witness said the driver was speeding.
“By the time he reached the top of the hill he was about 60-70 mph and then the power went out, I got in my vehicle and got down here and he was already out of the vehicle,” said Brian McComb.
The driver was not hurt. Police said he will be charged with driving under the influence and would also get billed for the cost to repair the power pole.
NES crews said it could take up to six hours to repair the pole.
