By Rebecca Vallett
A woman driving a Toyota truck struck an electricity pole on 900 E. and 1100 N. shortly after 4 p.m., April 8, causing BYU to shut down the power in some buildings.
The utility pole snapped on impact leaving the top half, still attached to live electrical wires, suspended between two adjacent power poles, said Sgt. Alan Kuchar of the Provo City Police Department.
Kuchar would not speculate why the driver hit the pole, but said a possible DUI investigation is ensuing.
Sgt. Kuchar said it appears the woman was traveling at approximately 30 miles per hour in the southbound lane and drifted into the northbound lane before hitting the pole.
'The front end of the truck caved in approximately two feet,' Sgt. Kuchar said.
Provo City Power was on the scene to remove and repair the pole soon after the accident occurred.
Capt. Brent Tew, of the Provo City Fire Department, said the on-site electricians had never seen a pole break in two places.
The top half of the pole was held aloft and stabilized by a crane while ground crews worked to replace the pole.
'The crane is removing the stress so those power lines don''t snap. If one snaps, it will become completely unstable,' said Capt. Brent Tew.
The driver was transported to Utah Valley Hospital, but no other details have yet been released, Capt. Tew said.
No other cars were involved and no other injuries were sustained.