Update: Espola Road Crash Leaves Area Homes in the Dark

Update: SDG&E is now estimating that power will be restored to all customers by 7 p.m. Up to 144 customers are without power.

The driver of a pickup truck lost control on Espola Road Thursday morning and crashed into a power pole, knocking out power in the area, according to the Sheriff’s Department. The driver suffered a minor injury, and SDG&E estimates that power will be restored to all customers by 7 p.m.

The white Toyota pickup was traveling southbound near 14911 Espola Road around 5:25 a.m. when the driver and sole occupant attempted to reach something in the floorboard area in front of the passenger seat, according to Sgt. Brian Jenkins. The driver became distracted and the pickup drove off the road, sheared the power pole and flipped over one time.

The pole and power lines fell onto Espola Road, and a vehicle following the pickup became entangled in the live power lines, according to Jenkins.

The Poway Fire Department arrived and was able to rescue the driver of the pickup, who was taken to the hospital with a possible broken collarbone, according to Jenkins. The driver of the second vehicle was not injured, but was trapped inside until SDG&E crews shut off power to the downed lines.

SDG&E estimates that 144 customers lost power due to the accident.