A 22-year-old Brampton truck driver is facing several charges after allegedly knocking down hydro infrastructure in Caledon and leaving the scene, according to Ontario Provincial Police.
The incident occurred around 1 p.m. on May 19 on Damascus Drive, a dead-end road where investigators say the commercial vehicle was not supposed to be travelling. Police believe the driver followed GPS directions before entering the area.
OPP say the truck hit overhead power lines and brought down a hydro pole, causing major damage and a temporary power outage while utility crews completed repairs.
Witnesses told police the driver exited the vehicle after the crash, detached the trailer and tried to move the fallen wires using his hands and a plastic rake before driving away. Residents reportedly warned him not to touch the lines and advised him to stay at the scene.
Hydro officials later informed investigators that the driver narrowly escaped serious injury because the way the equipment collapsed likely triggered a breaker that cut electricity to the wires.
Police eventually located the driver nearby and arrested him. Officers also carried out a commercial vehicle inspection and allegedly found multiple significant safety issues, leading to the truck being removed from service.
The driver has been charged with careless driving, failing to remain at the scene, failing to report property damage and operating an unsafe commercial vehicle. Police have not released his identity.
Investigators say the trucking company involved also faces charges related to permitting an unsafe vehicle on the road and failing to meet inspection and safety requirements.
The investigation is continuing.