A Thunder Bay driver was airborne and then travelled about 20 metres, police said Monday, describing a spectacular late-night crash that destroyed a planter Sunday on Algoma Street.
A male suspect, who police have yet to name, faces drinking and driving charges after the single-vehicle collision that could have had a much worse outcome.
The driver was taken to hospital and treated for minor injuries, before being taken to the police station for a breathalyzer test.
The 42-year-old failed the test.
“I really can’t get into the amount because that’s now evidence, but he was definitely impaired and was charged with impaired operation of a motor vehicle, having more than 80 milligrams of alcohol in his system, and dangerous driving,” said Thunder Bay Police Service executive officer Chris Adams.
The planter was situated on a section of sidewalk arching into the roadway, narrowing Algoma Street to one lane.
It was just luck that no one was hurt in the collision, Adams added.
“Certainly at that time of night, and it was a beautiful night temperature-wise, so people would be out. That area has some establishments where people go and definitely it could have been much worse. That vehicle easily could have hit a pedestrian,” Adams said. “It could have veered right into oncoming traffic which was coming northbound on Algoma. It could have been very serious, indeed.
“Fortunately by some stroke of luck only the vehicle and driver was damaged.”
Adams said the vehicle suffered extensive damage and was likely totalled.
