Neighbors: Sparks fly as driver splits power pole in Bellaire

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Neighbors say they awoke to exploding transformers when a man slammed his vehicle into a power pole in southwest Houston.

The crash happened early this morning at Bellaire Boulevard near Hillcroft.

Investigators said the driver was speeding when they hit the pole, cutting it into two.

The driver had only minor injuries, but found himself trapped inside his vehicle as power lines toppled onto the hood of his vehicle.

Houston firefighters had to wait until Centerpoint cut the power to rescue the trapped driver, who was taken to a nearby hospital.

Neighbors near the scene said they were asleep when they heard shattering glass and transformers popping in the distance.

Some said they saw sparks at the time of the crash.

Centerpoint says about 300 customers lost power after the accident.

Officers said the driver will be checked for DUI.