Shortly before 1 a.m. on June 19th, a car crashed into a pole knocking down a set of traffic lights in the west bound lane at Portage and Linwood St.
The car then went up the curb on the north west corner and came to rest in front of a tattoo shop narrowly missing the building and a fire hydrant.
Police, fire truck and ambulance personnel were on the scene shortly after. No one was hurt in the accident in which the driver side airbag of the vehicle inflated.
Fire trucks are commonly first on the scene in such mishaps as firefighters are all trained paramedics and their vehicles are equipped with the necessary equipment and tools for cleanup.
The traffic lights and pole were removed from the street and fire personnel cleaned up the broken glass and other debris.
Police on the scene were unable to comment on the cause of the crash except to say that the driver lost control of the vehicle.
Police on the scene were observed pulling over people who failed to stop at the intersection which had red flashing traffic signals at the three way stop. No tickets were issued as police gave warnings to the drivers.
When traffic lights are flashing red, drivers are required to come to a complete stop and give right of way to vehicles that arrive at the intersection first.
As well, drivers are required to slow down when approaching emergency vehicles and tow trucks that are stopped on the side of the road. Failure to do so can result in heavy fines and demerits on the driver’s license.
All photos by Doug Kretchmer