The driver of a pickup truck that took out a power pole in Cedar Bluff early this morning fled on foot while the passenger was transported to the hospital.

The mishap occurred near the intersection of Broad Street and Highway 68 – Cedar Bluff Firefighters reported that a power pole was snapped in half as a result of the accident.

The passenger of the vehicle was transported to Cherokee Medical Center and treated for what was described as a severe laceration to the head.

The vehicle did catch fire and a nearby resident pulled the passenger from the burning truck.

According to Sgt. Inv. JP Curry with the Cedar Police Department alcohol appears to be a factor in the accident – Curry told WEIS Radio News that the driver of the vehicle fled the scene on foot prior to emergency crews arriving at the scene with police on the search for him.

Curry also said that Cherokee Electric Crews will have to replace a power pole and that power could be out anywhere from 4-6 hours once the work begins.