Power lost after car hits pole

Hastings residents lost power overnight after a man allegedly fleeing police smashed into a power box.

Sergeant Clint Adamson said the crash happened about 12.05am, when a man lost control of his Holden Commodore in Windsor Avenue.

"The vehicle then slid out of control and ended up running up over the footpath and smashing through the front garden of a nearby property before coming to a stop," Mr Adamson said.

"The power box suffered extensive damage and nearby residents lost power."

The driver was not injured.

A 19-year-old man has been charged with driving with excess breath alcohol, dangerous driving and failing to stop.

- NZPA