Ice buildup contributes to SUV's collision with utility pole in West Prince

CAMPBELLTON, P.E.I. - A 60-year-old woman was taken to hospital to be checked over after losing control of her vehicle and striking a utility pole on Route 14 in Campbellton Thursday morning.

Const. Adam MacKinnon with West Prince RCMP said the road was bare except for that one place where water running across the road caused an ice buildup.

As the water froze and vehicles drove through it, a bump and ruts were created.

MacKinnon said the driver, who had a five-year-old passenger in the 2012 Hyundai Vera Cruz with her, was experiencing some discomfort as a result of the airbag deploying, and was taken to hospital to be assessed. 

He said the driver indicated she noticed the ice buildup and had slowed down prior to hitting it, but the SUV left the road and struck a utility pole, snapping the pole at its base. The vehicle sustained extensive damage.

In addition to the RCMP, Island EMS, O’Leary Fire Department and West Isle Towing responded to the collision, and Maritime Electric attended to replace the broken pole.