A woman has been charged with two offenses after her car hit a utility pole on South Saratoga Street Tuesday, causing part of downtown to lose power.

Wilhelmina Carrie Ward, 52, is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and reckless driving after her Oldsmobile hit a utility pole and transformer, dragging them into the street and causing sparks to fly and nearby businesses to lose power.

The accident occurred at 4 p.m. near the corner of West Washington and Saratoga streets.

The road was closed for several hours while Dominion Virginia Power replaced the transformer, lines and pole, city spokeswoman Debbie George said.

Passenger Karl Ward was treated at Sentara Obici Hospital for minor head injuries, George added.