The District of Invermere lost power for a few hours last week when a driver who may have had some kind of sudden medical problem hit a power pole.

On Thursday, July 11th at 6:18 a.m., a 64-year-old Alberta man was driving westbound down the Athalmer hill in a 2007 Ford F-150 on Laurier Avenue, when his pickup veered left and crashed into a hydro pole near Huckleberry’s Family Restaurant, shearing off the pole. The driver complained of a medical issue and no evidence of braking was discovered. He was taken to the hospital and treated for his injuries.

“We think he did have some kind of issue because there was no evidence of braking or any other signs of attempted evasion, the driver just went straight into the pole,” said Staff Sgt. Shehovac, adding that no results had come back to confirm this possibility, but that it is certainly part of the investigation.

The scene was attended by fire and ambulance services, as well as BC Hydro. Power resumed shortly after the accident.