Traffic collision cuts power to Rocklin homes and businesses for hours

A woman crashed her vehicle into a PG&E pole in Rocklin on Wednesday afternoon, cutting power to surrounding residents for hours.

The driver rammed the power pole near the intersection of Ruhkala Road and Winding Lane just before 1 p.m., leaving 21 nearby homes and businesses without power, according to Pacific Gas and Electric Co.’s outage records.

Rocklin police Sgt. Eric Dollar said it was a minor crash that did not result in any injuries, but the pole that the driver hit contained a major power line and was cracked open.

Dollar said crews will have to replace the pole, which is time-consuming. The Rocklin Police Department estimates power crews will clear the area by about 9 p.m.

Police suggest that commuters use alternate routes and avoid the area until then.

This story was originally published December 19, 2018 at 2:12 PM.