A significant disruption occurred early Monday morning when a vehicle accident led to power outages for approximately 3,500 utility customers. The incident took place on Loma Verde Avenue, where a car struck and brought down a telephone pole, affecting several residential areas. Emergency services were quick to respond, ensuring safety measures were in place while utility teams worked diligently to restore electricity. By the early hours of the morning, most residents had their power back, but a small number still faced inconveniences later in the day.
The accident unfolded around 2:30 a.m. near the intersection with Louis Road. Initially reported as a structure fire, first responders soon realized the situation involved electrical hazards due to downed wires. Fire Battalion Chief Ryan Stoddard highlighted the importance of maintaining safety protocols until all risks were mitigated. "Our crews stayed on site to ensure no one was endangered by the fallen lines," he explained. The driver involved in the collision sustained injuries and was promptly transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
The Utilities Department confirmed that the outage impacted multiple neighborhoods including Midtown, Leland Manor, Crescent Park, and Duveneck/St. Francis. Efforts to restore power were swift, with the majority of affected households regaining service by 5 a.m. However, some areas continued to experience disruptions, leaving about 83 customers without electricity as of 9 a.m.
Emergency personnel played a crucial role in managing the aftermath of this unexpected event. Their presence ensured that potential dangers from exposed electrical lines were minimized, allowing utility workers to focus on restoring normalcy to the community. Despite the initial chaos, coordinated efforts between various departments helped mitigate the impact on residents' daily lives.