A driver who police say was speeding down Pouncey Tract Road near Shady Grove Road was killed early this morning when his vehicle crashed into two electrical poles and caught fire.

The wreck caused an approximate 30-minute, pre-dawn power outage for nearly 4,000 Dominion Virginia Power customers nearby and kept Pouncey Tract closed until about 10:30 a.m. while officers investigated.

Lt. Doug Barker said a Henrico police officer saw a vehicle speeding and pulled out to drive after the car. "There was no pursuit of any kind," Barker said.

"By the time the officer caught up to the car, it had already crashed," he said. "The car was fully engulfed in flames, preventing the officer from getting in to rescue the driver."

Barker said the driver was burned beyond recognition in the 4:23 a.m. wreck.

It was unclear which direction the driver was heading or where the police officer was positioned, Barker said. The make and model of the vehicle has not been released.

The driver's body was taken to the medical examiner's office.

Dominion Virginia Power spokesman Richard Zuercher said the car hit two electrical poles, cutting power to 3,389 customers.

Within 30 minutes, power was restored to all but 39 customers, who will have to wait until the damaged poles are replaced later today. Zuercher said all affected customers should have power by 3 or 4 p.m. this afternoon.

-- Emily C. Dooley