NATCHEZ — Approximately 1,100 Entergy customers were without power late Sunday after a car took out two main-line electrical poles on U.S. 61 North.

Entergy Customer Service Manager Tim Runnels said the wreck not only damaged two power poles at the intersection of U.S. 61 North and North Palestine Road, but also damaged two other poles along the U.S. 61 North corridor.

“The car hit the poles with such force that it took out the tops of two other poles,” Runnels said. “The main line carries power along (U.S. 61 North). The poles are bigger and the power lines are heavier.”

As of 7 p.m. Sunday, linemen were inspecting area power poles for additional damage, he said.

The one-car wreck occurred at approximately 5 p.m. Witnesses on the scene said the driver of a black Lincoln drove into the power poles and stopped several hundred feet along the frontage road near Church’s Fried Chicken. Police chief Walter Armstrong said the car that collided with the utility poles was occupied by the driver. The driver was transported to the hospital by private vehicle, he said. The cause of the wreck is under investigation.

Runnels said approximately 1,100 customers should expect to be without power until today at lunchtime.

“I have 25 men from four crews coming in from out of town to work through the night,” he said. “Three additional crews will take over in the morning.”

Natchez police officers are rerouting northbound traffic between McNeely Road and the McDonald’s on Northgate Road as crews work to replace four poles and restring the power lines.

Businesses without power along U.S. 61 North include Natchez Market No. 2, Gamberi Feed and Farm Supply and other businesses north of Morgantown Road.

Adams County Christian School has power, Runnels said.

The power poles affected may have also been carrying the main lines for cable television and telephone, he said.