Driver crashes, knocking out power to 335 in Somerton
Several hundred Somerton residents were without power and a main street was closed on Monday after a minivan crashed into a power pole.
The accident was reported about 1:52 p.m. on Somerton Avenue between County 14th and 15th Streets, according to the Somerton/Cocopah Fire Department.
Capt. Javier Hernandez said when firefighters arrived on scene they found a Ford Windstar with severe damage, and it had also knocked down a fence and a tree.
Hernandez said that because power lines were still charged and on the ground next to the vehicle, firefighters were initially unable to reach the male driver of the vehicle and could only speak to him through an open window.
APS was contacted and once a work crew de-energized the power lines, paramedics were able to remove the man from his vehicle and begin treating him.
Hernandez said the 59-year-old man was the only occupant of the minivan and he was trapped inside it for about 48 minutes until APS arrived on scene. He had complained of pain to his neck and chest.
The man was taken to Yuma Regional Medical Center by San Luis Fire Department ambulance for further evaluation.
Hernandez said the driver stated he became distracted and lost control of his vehicle.
APS spokesperson Jill Hanks said that initially 335 customers lost power due to the downed pole, but only eight were still without electricity as of 5 p.m.
She said she expects that power should be completely restored to all customers by 10 p.m.
Hernandez said APS remained on scene to repair the power pole. Somerton Avenue also remained closed following the wreck due to cleanup and the pole repair.
The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the accident.
James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854.