Crash knocks out power

by Carmen Weld CASTANET- Oct 11, 2015 / 8:15 am

A hit, crash and run early Sunday morning in Vernon knocked out power and has police scrambling to find those responsible. According to Vernon RCMP, this morning just after 5 a.m., police responded to a single vehicle collision on 43rd Street in Vernon. “The vehicle had struck a bicyclist, then left the roadway and severed a power pole, causing a large portion of Vernon to lose power,” explains Const. Jocelyn Noseworthy. The majority of power was returned to Vernon customers by 7 a.m, however approximately 20 customers are still without power near the accident site. Fortunately, the male cyclist was taken to Vernon Jubilee Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The occupants of the vehicle fled the scene, leaving the accident area prior to police arrival. “43rd St between 25th Ave. and 30th Ave. is expected to remain closed for several hours while BC Hydro repairs the damage done to the pole and equipment,” says Noseworthy. “Vernon RCMP are asking the public to avoid the area as much as possible, and use alternate travel routes.” The collision is still under investigation by Vernon RCMP. Anyone with information regarding this accident is asked to call the Vernon/North Okanagan RCMP or CrimeStoppers.