Collision Triggers Power Outage in San Mateo

A traffic collision triggered a power outage, evacuation and shelter-in-place order in San Mateo on Friday afternoon, emergency officials said.

A driver traveling east in the 800 block of Monte Diablo Avenue drove off the roadway and onto the south sidewalk at about 2:20 p.m., San Mateo Police Sgt. Dave Norris said.

The vehicle struck a small tree, a dry barrel fire hydrant, a city light pole, and a PG&E power pole which was securing live power lines, telephone, and cable service lines, according to Norris.

There were no injuries as a result of the collision, and drugs or alcohol influence was not a factor.

Live high voltage power lines were down over a few residences in the 800 block of Monte Diablo Avenue as a result, Norris said.

San Mateo police and fire personnel arrived and quickly evacuated the immediate area. A reverse-911 message was sent to surrounding residences.

Those inside the affected residences were contacted and advised to shelter in place. Staff at the nearby Martin Luther King Jr. Center assisted in keeping children and adults on the premises to avoid potential danger.

A unified command post including, San Mateo Police, Fire, Public Works and Parks and Rec. Staff; PG&E, Cal-Water was established.

PG&E staff disconnected the power to control the area of outage. Public Works Staff were able to restore function in nearby controlled intersections using back-up power.

As of 6:30 p.m., the power outage was limited to the King Center and residences within the block of N. Fremont St. To E. Santa Inez Ave. and Monte Diablo Ave. to N. Grant Street. 

PG&E estimated the outage time between six to eight hours.