UPPER LAKE, Calif. – A Sunday afternoon crash involving a vehicle and a utility pole knocked out power to several hundred Upper Lake residents.
The crash on Elk Mountain Road near Rancheria Road happened just before 5 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.
Witnesses reported a black SUV hit a power pole with a transformer on it and split it in half. The pole came to rest on the vehicle, with power lines down across the road.
The male driver got out of the vehicle uninjured, but firefighters said the driver was getting belligerent and not following their orders.
The battalion chief on scene called for a deputy or CHP to respond due to concern that the man was going to fight with emergency personnel. There also were concerns that the man may have been under the influence.
Firefighters closed the roadway and called for Pacific Gas & Electric to respond, according to radio reports.
The crash resulted in power being knocked out to approximately 818 Upper Lake customers, according to PG&E.
Firefighters were waiting for PG&E’s arrival before opening up the roadway.
The company estimated power would be restored at 8 p.m. Some area residents reported that power was restored about an hour before then.
A remaining 175 customers were expected to be without power until 4 a.m. Monday.
Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.
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