NAUGATUCK – An alleged drunk driver took out a pole and much of the electric grid near Rubber Avenue early this morning.
Hannah Toth, 23, of 40 Noel Drive in Beacon Falls, was heading westbound on Rubber Avenue shortly after 1 a.m. in her 1994 Buick Regal when she struck an electric pole, severing it in half, according to Naugatuck police spokesman Lt. Robert Harrison. There was no one else in the car.
Two transformers blew, wiping out power in a large area, including Naugatuck High School, residences, and businesses, Harrison said.
Shortly after the accident, 4,800 customers were without power, according to Connecticut Light and Power Spokesman Mitch Gross. But, he said, that number was quickly reduced by more than 50 percent in the first hour. All power was restored in Naugatuck by 6 a.m.
Toth was standing when officers arrived on scene, but was transported to Waterbury Hospital, Harrison said. He said there was no indication of injuries in the police report.
Toth was charged with driving while intoxicated. Her court date was set for Sept. 25 and she was released on a $500 non-surety bond.
