Crime & Safety

Accident Causes Power Outages and Snarled Traffic on Southbound 101

A car crashed into a power pole along U.S. Highway 101 in San Rafael around 6 a.m. this morning, traffic isn't expected to clear for hours.

A car crashed into a power pole along U.S. Highway 101 in San Rafael this morning, causing a large outage and snarling commute traffic, a California Highway Patrol officer said.

 The crash was reported just after 6 a.m. on southbound Highway 101 near Manuel T. Freitas Parkway. CHP Officer Andrew Barclay said a car smashed into the pole, shearing it and leaving someone trapped inside the vehicle.

 The person was eventually able to get out of the car, and suffered only minor injuries, he said. PG&E spokesman J.D. Guidi said the incident initially left 2,533 customers without power in northern San Rafael.

He said around 7:45 a.m. that the number had been reduced to 2,181. Crews are at the scene repairing the pole, and Barclay said PG&E has requested that the right lane be closed to allow them to work safely.

 As a result, traffic is backed up for miles, and Barclay said it could be several hours before the lane is reopened.

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