After an early morning vehicle crash, southeast Fresno residents and businesses experienced a significant power outage. According to reports, a vehicle crashed into a power pole at the Kings Canyon and Clovis Avenue intersection around 5 a.m. Thursday, resulting in widespread service disruptions.
Incident Details
The collision occurred at the busy intersection of Kings Canyon and Clovis Avenue, a major thoroughfare in southeast Fresno. While emergency crews have already removed the vehicle involved in the accident, the damaged utility pole remains compromised, visibly leaning over at the crash site.
As of now, authorities have not released specific details regarding the cause of the crash or whether any injuries were sustained. The investigation appears to be ongoing.
Extent of the Power Outage
The impact of the collision has left over 1,000 PG&E customers without electricity in the surrounding area. The outage affects residential neighborhoods rather than all commercial establishments, as a nearby shopping center still has power.
The affected service area primarily encompasses neighborhoods near the Kings Canyon and Clovis Avenue intersection, creating significant inconvenience for residents facing daytime power disruptions.
The outage’s geographic footprint is concentrated in the residential zones east and south of the collision site, with preliminary PG & E outage maps showing clusters of affected homes across several blocks.
The timing of the outage—occurring during early morning hours when many residents are preparing for work and school—has compounded the disruption to daily routines. Multiple traffic signals in the area may also be affected, potentially creating additional transportation challenges for morning commuters navigating the Kings Canyon corridor.
What Affected Residents Should Know
If you are among those affected by this outage, here are some important considerations:
- Power outages resulting from physical infrastructure damage, such as downed poles, typically take longer to restore than those caused by other factors
- PG&E crews are likely assessing the damage and prioritizing repairs
- Residents should treat all downed lines as energized and dangerous
- Those with medical equipment requiring electricity should activate their backup plans or consider temporarily relocating if necessary.
Residents can stay informed about restoration progress by signing up for PG&E text alerts or checking the utility company’s online outage map for real-time updates. It’s advisable to keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to preserve perishable food items, as outages from pole replacements can sometimes extend beyond initial estimates.
Those working from home may want to identify alternative locations with power and internet access, such as libraries or coffee shops in unaffected areas. Additionally, residents should check on elderly neighbors or those with limited mobility who might need assistance during the outage.
Safety Considerations Following Utility Pole Collisions
Accidents involving utility poles can create dangerous conditions beyond just power outages. Downed lines may pose electrocution hazards, and compromised poles can create falling hazards. Stay at least 30 feet away from downed power lines if you’re in the area, and do not attempt to move or touch any fallen electrical equipment.
Report any sparking or smoking electrical equipment to 911 immediately and follow all instructions from emergency personnel in the area. Even lines that appear dead can become re-energized without warning when repair work begins or if backup systems activate.
Residents should keep children and pets away from the collision scene and any debris field. If you hear unusual buzzing or crackling near downed lines, evacuate the area immediately, which can indicate dangerous electrical activity.
Drivers should exercise extreme caution near the Kings Canyon and Clovis intersection. Emergency crews and utility workers may be operating heavy equipment and traffic patterns could be altered until repairs are complete.
Legal Considerations in Utility Pole Collisions
When vehicles strike utility poles, several legal questions may arise regarding liability for damages. These incidents often involve potential liability for the driver who hit the pole, possible claims for businesses that lose revenue due to extended outages, questions about timely restoration of services, and insurance claims related to property damage or business interruption.
Residents and business owners experiencing significant losses due to extended outages may wish to document their damages and consult a legal professional regarding their options.
In California, determining liability in utility pole collisions can be complex and involve multiple parties. While the driver who struck the pole may bear primary responsibility, additional factors could include road design issues, visibility concerns, or even pole placement questions that might implicate municipal entities or the utility company itself.
Affected businesses may have claims for economic losses under business interruption insurance policies, significantly if the outage extends beyond 24 hours. Homeowners who experience property damage from power surges when service is restored might also have valid insurance claims.
Documentation is critical—residents should photograph damaged appliances, keep receipts for additional expenses incurred during the outage, and maintain a detailed timeline of how the incident affected their daily activities or business operations.
When Power Might Be Restored
While PG&E has not yet provided an estimated restoration time, repairs following utility pole collisions typically require several hours at minimum, as crews must safely replace the damaged pole and reconnect all affected lines.
Updates regarding restoration timelines will likely be available through PG&E’s outage information services as repair crews assess the full extent of the damage.
Moving Forward
“If you or a loved one suffered injuries in this utility pole collision, you’re likely facing medical expenses, missed work, and significant disruption to your life. As someone who has represented accident victims for over 40 years, I understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these sudden incidents can take on individuals and families. It’s important to know that you may be entitled to compensation beyond what insurance initially offers. Document everything—medical visits, expenses, and how your injuries affect daily activities. While focusing on your recovery should be your priority, consulting with an experienced accident attorney can help protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Remember, most initial consultations are free, and having a professional advocate in your corner can make all the difference during this challenging time.”- Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in the Kings Canyon and Clovis Avenue utility pole collision, don’t face the aftermath alone. The experienced team at GJEL Accident Attorneys stands by to evaluate your case at no cost.
Remember, you pay nothing unless we win your case. Don’t delay—California personal injury claims have strict time limits, and crucial evidence needs to be preserved quickly. Call us at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our Orinda office for a free legal consultation.
Resources and Important Links
If you’ve been affected by the power outage or were involved in the Kings Canyon and Clovis Avenue collision, the following resources and links may be helpful:
- Fresno Police Department: For non-emergency police matters or to obtain accident reports, contact the Fresno Police Department at (559) 621-7000 or visit their website at www.fresno.gov/police
- Fresno Police Department Traffic Bureau: For specific information about traffic accidents investigations, or to request a copy of your accident report, contact the Traffic Bureau at (559) 621-5050
- City of Fresno Traffic Operations: For concerns about traffic signals affected by the outage or to report traffic hazards, contact Traffic Operations at (559) 621-1492
- PG&E Outage Information: For updates on power restoration, visit PG&E’s Outage Center or call their 24-hour power outage information line at 1-800-743-5002
- California Highway Patrol – Fresno Area Office: For accidents on highways near the affected area, contact CHP at (559) 705-2200 or visit www.chp.ca.gov/find-an-office/central-division/offices/(201)-fresno
- Fresno County Emergency Services: For emergency information during extended outages, visit www.co.fresno.ca.us/departments/public-health/office-of-emergency-services-oes
Remember to keep these resources handy during the outage and restoration process.
Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.