UPDATE: 3:30 p.m.
Police believe a medical emergency may have played a role after a man crashed his car into a pole in Rutland Wednesday afternoon.
On April 5 at 12:28 p.m., emergency crews responded to a report of a single-vehicle collision on the 300 block of Rutland Road North.
Witnesses told police a northbound blue Pontiac Grand-Am suddenly crossed the centre line of the roadway, narrowly missing oncoming traffic before it collided head-on in to a power pole on the opposite side of the roadway.
“Police have reason to believe that the driver may have suffered a sudden onset of a physical or medical episode which affected his ability to safely operate his vehicle,” says Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey
“Police have put forward a written recommendation for a review of the driver’s medical fitness to ICBC for their consideration.”
The driver, a 55-year-old Kelowna man, was assessed at the scene by emergency paramedics.
He was taken to hospital for further medical assessment and treatment of injuries believed to be non-life-threatening in nature. The man’s passenger appeared uninjured.
“Although the impact of the collision shifted the utility pole, the power lines themselves did not fall or break away,” adds O’Donaghey.
“RCMP remained on scene until such time Fortis BC could attend and assess the damage caused.”
If you witnessed this crash and have not yet spoken to police you are asked to contact Const. Jessica Edwards of the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300.
Send your news tips, photos and video to newstips@kelownacapnews.com
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ORIGINAL: 1:40 p.m.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene after a blue sedan crashed into a pole in Rutland Wednesday afternoon.
The car hit the pole on Rutland Road Southbound at Ponto Road just after 12 p.m.
The Cap News will have more information if it becomes available.
Send your news tips, photos and video to newstips@kelownacapnews.com