Driver knocks down power pole in Petersburg, causing outage

PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) -- Over 300 homes and businesses in Petersburg were without power after a driver hit and knocked down a power pole Monday evening.

Just before 9 p.m. on Monday, May 5, Petersburg Fire Rescue & Emergency Services stated that part of South Sycamore Street is closed due to a "utility emergency."

Per fire officials, a driver hit a power pole carrying three transformers. Pictures from the scene show the pole nearly split in half at the point of impact and nearly fell into a nearby building.

Crash involving a power pole on South Sycamore Street in Petersburg on May 5. (Photo: Petersburg Fire Rescue & Emergency Services)

Crash involving a power pole on South Sycamore Street in Petersburg on May 5. (Photo: Petersburg Fire Rescue & Emergency Services)

Crash involving a power pole on South Sycamore Street in Petersburg on May 5. (Photo: Petersburg Fire Rescue & Emergency Services)

Crash involving a power pole on South Sycamore Street in Petersburg on May 5. (Photo: Petersburg Fire Rescue & Emergency Services)

Crash involving a power pole on South Sycamore Street in Petersburg on May 5. (Photo: Petersburg Fire Rescue & Emergency Services)

The crash has resulted in a power outage. According to fire officials, Dominion Energy is at the scene working to assess and repair the damage, as well as restore power.

At one point on Monday, 349 homes and businesses were without power in the area surrounding the crash, per Dominion Energy's outage map. As of 10:45 p.m., that number has been reduced to 56. No time of restoration is currently available.

South Sycamore Street between Graham Road and D'Arcy Street will be closed until these hazardous conditions, like the downed wires, have been safely dealt with.

Scene of a crash involving a power pole on South Sycamore Street in Petersburg on May 5. (Photo: Petersburg Fire Rescue & Emergency Services)

Scene of a crash involving a power pole on South Sycamore Street in Petersburg on May 5. (Photo: Petersburg Fire Rescue & Emergency Services)

Scene of a crash involving a power pole on South Sycamore Street in Petersburg on May 5. (Photo: Petersburg Fire Rescue & Emergency Services)

Scene of a crash involving a power pole on South Sycamore Street in Petersburg on May 5. (Photo: Petersburg Fire Rescue & Emergency Services)

Scene of a crash involving a power pole on South Sycamore Street in Petersburg on May 5. (Photo: Petersburg Fire Rescue & Emergency Services)

"We strongly urge all residents and motorists to avoid the area and seek alternate routes," fire officials said. "Your cooperation is essential to ensure the safety of the public and emergency crews working on scene."

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Fire officials said updates will be provided as progress is made. No additional details are available as of the time of reporting.