A crash between two Burlingame teens—both suspected of drunken driving—triggered a power outage and flooding in San Mateo on Wednesday night, according to the Police Department.
Officers responded to the scene of the two-vehicle crash at El Camino Real and Peninsula Avenue at about 11:30 p.m., San Mateo Police Sgt. Dave Norris said.
Two SUVs, both traveling northbound and being driven by allegedly intoxicated 17-year-old girls, had apparently collided in a sideswipe fashion at the intersection, according to Norris.
No one was injured, but the crash caused property damage including a sheared PG&E pole and a sheared fire hydrant, which prompted significant impacts and delays in the area.
San Mateo's Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments along with with PG&E, Cal Water, and CalTrans worked in a coordinated effort to manage traffic closures, a power outage, and flooding in the area, Norris said.
The streets were partially reopened after a four-hour closure, but repair crews were working on the damaged intersection well into the daytime hours.
The two juveniles, both female 17-year-olds of Burlingame, were allegedly found to be under the influence of alcohol, and arrested on suspicous of DUI. They were cited and released to parents.
The exact activity of the vehicles leading to the collision is still under investigation, though police say the intoxication of the two teen drivers was a primary factor in this collision.
A message from the San Mateo Police Department:
Parents – Do you know where your teens are, and what they are doing?
This serves as a stark reminder of both the dangers of drinking and driving, and of the ability of minors to access alcoholic beverages. SMPD reminds parents to talk to your children about the dangers of alcohol consumption and abuse, and reminds the entire San Mateo Community to be responsible about drinking and driving. Designate a driver, and please report suspected drunk drivers right away via 911.
