A government-issued vehicle was found to have crashed into a utility pole yesterday morning and its licence plates had been removed, police have confirmed.

TNN was first to report on the incident that took place near the junction of Old Military Road and Slippery Hill in St George’s.

The Bermuda Police Service said that they have launched an investigation while the Government has said it initiated its own internal review.

TNN reported yesterday afternoon that the Jeep-style vehicle was believed to be part of the Government’s fleet and that sources claimed that the plates were removed after the crash.

A spokesman for the BPS said today that at about 9.35am yesterday, officers received a report about the incident in which “a vehicle had struck a utility pole near the junction of Old Military Road and Slippery Hill”.

He added: “Upon arrival, officers observed that the vehicle’s licence plates had been removed.

“Checks revealed that the vehicle, which was extensively damaged, was part of the government fleet.

“Further checks led to the driver, who sustained minor injuries, being identified.

“An investigation into the circumstances surrounding this [crash] is now under way.”

No further details were provided by police.

A government spokeswoman said that the Ministry of Public Works and Environment confirmed that the vehicle involved was part of the government fleet.

She added: “As is standard procedure for road traffic accidents, the BPS is leading the investigation into the incident.

“The ministry is fully supporting the BPS investigation and is also in the midst of conducting its own internal review into the matter.”

Belco confirmed that the utility pole was its property.

Wayne Caines, the company president, said: “Belco can confirm that yesterday one of its utility poles was struck by a vehicle and our team responded promptly to carry out the necessary repairs.

“No customers lost power as a result of the incident.

“As we continue to review the matter, we are awaiting the official police report.

“In the circumstances, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further or engage in public discussion at this time.”

Police asked anyone with information on the incident to call 295-0011.