Olivehurst man crashes car into power pole

A 29-year-old Olivehurst man suffered major injuries early Wednesday when he lost control of his car on a wet road in south Yuba County, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Heath W. Galbraith was driving south in the 3700 block of Rancho Road about 12:15 a.m. when his 1990 Acura spun off the road and hit a utility pole, snapping it in half. The car flipped onto its left side and became lodged between the pole and a tree, the CHP said.

Galbraith, who apparently was wearing the shoulder harness portion of his seat belt but not the lap belt, was thrown into the rear of car and partially ejected out a side window.

An employee at nearby PG&E heard the crash and reported it. Rescue workers were hampered by downed, live power lines around the car and in a tree above. PG&E had to cut power to the lines before Galbraith could be extricated, the CHP said.

Galbraith is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and speeding, according to the CHP report. He was taken by ambulance to Sutter Roseville Medical Center. Spokeswoman Robin Montgomery said she was unable to release Information on his condition.

Rancho Road was closed for about two hours. Charges against Galbraith are pending, the CHP said.