Crash ruptures pipe
A MAN who allegedly crashed his red Holden ute into a water pipe on Sheridan St, causing it to burst, was allegedly seen leaving the vehicle with a can of Bundaberg Rum firmly in his hands.
The 43-year-old Edmonton man was travelling south when he lost control of his vehicle at the corner of James St about 10pm on Saturday night.
Witnesses alleged the car spun 180 degrees, uprooted a heavy duty sprinkler pipe and came to rest on the median strip. The ruptured pipe triggered a torrent of water that gushed 15m into the air.
A witness travelling in the car behind, Rhianna Brice, described a vehicle travelling erratically before the crash and reported the driver losing control when hitting “a little bit” of water on the road’s surface.
“He ... got out of the car holding a can of rum,” she said.
“As he lost control, he spun out and smashed into the gutter.”
About eight police cars and Cairns Regional Council employees attended the scene.
“He got out of the car like there was no big problem, then tried to drive it out straight away.,” she said.
“And then tried to push it out.” By 10.15pm, the water leak had been turned off and there was little further disruption caused to southbound traffic.
Police have alleged the man was drinking from a Bundaberg Rum can when they arrived at the scene of the crash.
A police spokeswoman said the man blew 0.168 and was charged with failing to properly control his vehicle, consuming liquor on a road and drink driving.
The man charged is due to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on November 14.