A driver that may have been suffering a medical condition crashed into a pole in Garden City causing a power outage.
The 71-year-old driver was driving eastbound in the 5300 block of Chinden when it accelerated quickly and veered across the center lane across two westbound lanes until hitting a telephone pole and a large steel pole. Witnesses told police that the driver may have been suffering a medical condition.
The power pole collapsed and live electrical wires fell across the top of the vehicle.
Emergency responders were able to make contact with the driver but couldn’t examine him due to the live wires on the vehicle.
Idaho Power arrived on scene and were able to cut power in the area resulting in a power outage for Boiseans and Garden City residents.
After an hour of securing the scene, the driver was taken from the vehicle and transported to Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.
Chief Allen wanted to thank all of the citizens and witnesses who stopped to assist. Allen stated, “Although we all have very busy lives, it is imperative that we take the time to help out our fellow citizens in need. We recognize that Chinden is a very busy commuter street and we are doing everything possible to move the traffic and insure public safety. The citizens should know that traffic on Chinden will likely be impacted for six or more hours due to power outages and we greatly appreciate all motorists having a little patience and compassion. We encourage commuters to utilize an alternate route if possible. We are thankful as this incident could have resulted in serious injuries.”
Power is estimated to be back on by 7 pm.
Traffic signals at Chinden and 50th, Chinden and Kent, Chinden and Glenwood, and Chinden and Maple Grove are currently not receiving power.
