A London woman is facing charges, including impaired driving, following a crash that took out hydro poles and left a vehicle on its roof north of the city.
Multiple witnesses called London police after seeing a northbound vehicle hit a fire hydrant on Wharncliffe Road near Oxford Streetaround 10:15 p.m. on Monday. Officers began following the vehicle on Richmond Street, where it continued heading north into Arva.
The driver did not stop for police and almost struck a vehicle as it began travelling in the lanes of oncoming traffic, police said.
Near the intersection of Richmond Street (Highway 4) and Thirteen Mile Road in the village of Birr, the driver lost control when the vehicle veered onto the shoulder of the road, hitting two hydro poles before landing on its roof.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene and pulled the driver, who was unhurt, from the wreckage.
A 37-year-old London woman is charged with impaired driving, dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of an accident, failing to stop for police, failing to comply with a recognizance, failing to comply with an undertaking, and driving while suspended.
Nearly 200 Hydro One customers in the area were left without power because of the downed hydro lines. While hydro has since been restored to some of those customers, others will have to wait until 8 p.m. Tuesday before the lights come back on.
Richmond Street between Twelve Mile Road and Thirteen Mile Road is expected to remain closed as hydro crews work. Police advise motorists to avoid the area.
