Power service was knocked out to dozens of homes and businesses between Smithfield and Four Oaks following a car crash Saturday afternoon.
Smithfield Police said the accident occurred at 3:17pm on US 301 South near Packing Plant Road.
A 2006 Nissan truck driven by Donnie Ray Jones of Oliver Road, Kenly was traveling southbound on US 301 South when the driver lost consciousness. The vehicle crossed the centerline and traveled into the northbound lane before leaving the roadway on the left and traveling an additional 131 feet onto the grass before striking a Duke Energy utility pole. The impact knocked down the power pole and cut power to nearby homes and businesses.
Police estimated Jones was traveling at 45mph at the time of impact with the pole.
He was taken to Johnston Medical Center in Smithfield for treatment of minor injuries. According to an accident report Jones may have lost consciousness due to medical reasons.
No charges were filed by Officer D.C. Ealy.
Damage to the Duke energy power pole and equipment was placed at $15,000. Damage to the 2006 Nissan was placed at $14,000.
