Ute occupants flee the scene after crashing into Hobart’s utility pole

The occupants of a ute that crashed into a utility pole, leaving thousands without power overnight on Hobart’s east coast, have been accused of fleeing the scene before police arrived.

More than 1,000 properties in Howrah, Rokeby and Tranmere were affected by the outage, which was caused by a damaged pole on Droughty Point Road.

Police say “no one” was found with the vehicle when they arrived on the scene shortly after 10pm on Monday.

“Tasmania Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding an accident … in which a man and a woman, the occupants of the vehicle, left the scene before emergency services arrived,” a spokesperson said.

“Police are following a specific line of inquiry and investigations are ongoing.”

“Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers.”

Power was restored to most homes in the area until late at night.