A man walked away with just minor injuries after he lost control of a utility and slammed into a power pole and concrete fence in Swan Hill on Wednesday night.
Swan Hill police Sergeant Roberta Barry said the 39-year-old single-occupant was allegedly driving erratically west along McCallum Street just before 11pm.
“The red Holden vehicle was observed driving at high speed through a roundabout, causing it to fishtail and lose control,” Sgt Barry said.
“The ute travelled sideways on the left hand side of the nature strip for about 50 metres before it collided with two rubbish bins, two small trees and a power pole.”
The vehicle came to a rest after it slammed into a concrete fence.
“The man was trapped inside the vehicle after powerlines wrapped around the vehicle,” Sgt Barry said.
The power pole was snapped off at the base upon impact, cutting power to more than 2500 residents.
Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said the driver was taken to Swan Hill District Health in a stable condition with back pain and abrasions.
Meanwhile, McCallum Street, between Stradbroke Avenue and Murlong Street, was blocked to traffic yesterday while Powercor replaced the pole and lines.
More than 280 customers were expected to be reconnected by 6.30pm yesterday.
Sgt Barry said there were witnesses to the collision but more were needed for their investigation.
“We urge motorists to drive carefully through built up areas and within the boundaries of their skills,” she said.
“He is extremely lucky to have walked away with only minor injuries, especially with live electricity nearby.
“People need to take care on the roads in the lead up to Christmas so that’s why we have operations like Roadwise to tackle dangerous driving on our roads.”
Anyone with information should contact Swan Hill police on 5036 1600.
