A Princeton man is facing charges after a truck crashed into Veteran’s Square last week.
The accident occurred last Wednesday at 6:20 p.m., according to RCMP Sergeant Rob Hughes.
Hughes said officers responded immediately to a call about the crash, and arrived to find a powerbox and concrete cover destroyed.
“Bystanders told the police the pick up truck did not stop, and continued to spin its tires and left the scene at a high rate of speed,” Hughes said.
They later located a vehicle, parked at a home on the third bench.
“Damage was consistent with a collision,” he added.
A 29-year-old local resident was later interviewed.
According to Princeton CAO Lyle Thomas, damage to the town square was significant.
“I don’t really have an estimate but it is considerable and a bit bigger than we first thought.”
He said the truck hit a powerbase station, which was enclosed by cement and fronted by a celebratory plaque.
There was damage to the electrical system, said Thomas, and the unit will need to be replaced.
“It is the main control power station for the entire park,” he said, which includes lights, a sound system, and outlets at every tree base.
Thomas said the power station has been temporarily repaired, but will need to be replaced.
He added if the cement enclosure was not so strong and protective, someone could have been hurt.
“I happened to be in the area when it actually happened, so I met with the RCMP moments after it happened and I was able to emergency call one of our crew members. They made sure that everyone was safe in Veteran’s Square.”
Thomas said one of his first thoughts when learning about the extent of the damage was Princeton’s annual Remembrance Day service.
“It was on our radar. We wanted to make sure there was power and sound for Remembrance Day and we are very confident we can provide that.”
The plaque attached to the concrete surround — acknowledging Princeton’s win of a Games Town 2010 provincial award for being an active community — was not damaged.
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