A vehicle crash on Saturday morning caused power lines to come crashing down at one of Fresno’s busiest intersections, disrupting power for thousands of residents and forcing the closure of a central traffic corridor. The incident at First Street and Ashlan Avenue underscores the significant risks that single-vehicle accidents can pose to entire communities when critical infrastructure is involved. When a driver loses control and strikes utility poles, the consequences extend far beyond the immediate crash site, affecting homes, businesses, emergency services, and transportation networks across entire neighborhoods.
This accident serves as a stark reminder that safe driving practices aren’t just about protecting yourself and your passengers—they’re about safeguarding the broader community that depends on functioning infrastructure for daily life. The ripple effects of such collisions can last for hours or even days, leaving families without power during critical times and forcing businesses to close their doors unexpectedly.
Details of the Fresno Power Line Accident
The collision occurred just after 11 a.m. on Saturday at the intersection of First Street and Ashlan Avenue in Fresno. According to the Fresno Fire Department, a driver lost control of their vehicle and struck a power pole, causing significant damage to the pole and bringing down power lines across the intersection.
The impact was severe enough to compromise the structural integrity of the utility pole, creating a hazardous situation that required immediate response from multiple agencies. Fortunately, despite the dramatic nature of the crash and the potential dangers posed by downed power lines, no injuries were reported at the scene.
Fresno Police confirmed that the driver was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision. However, the specific cause of their loss of control remains under investigation. Factors such as speed, distraction, mechanical failure, or adverse road conditions could have all contributed to the loss of vehicle control.
Intersection Closure and Traffic Impact
The collision resulted in extensive road closures that significantly impacted traffic flow in the area. According to Fresno Police, the intersection of First Street and Ashlan Avenue was closed entirely, along with roadways north, south, east, and west of Ashlan. This multi-directional closure was necessary to ensure public safety while utility crews worked to secure the downed power lines and begin repairs.
The intersection of First Street and Ashlan Avenue serves as a major thoroughfare in Fresno, connecting residential neighborhoods with commercial districts and serving as a key route for commuters. The closure forced drivers to seek alternative routes, causing traffic congestion throughout the surrounding areas during what would typically be a busy weekend for shopping and travel.
Authorities urged motorists to avoid the area entirely and plan alternate routes. The duration of the closure depended on how quickly PG&E crews could safely remove the damaged power pole, restore the power lines, and ensure the intersection was safe for vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Widespread Power Outage Affects Thousands
The collision had consequences that extended far beyond the immediate crash site. PG&E reported a significant power outage resulting directly from the damaged infrastructure, affecting at least 2,700 customers in the surrounding area. This left thousands of Fresno residents without electricity during the weekend, impacting homes, businesses, and essential services.
Power outages of this magnitude can have cascading effects on a community. Residents lose access to heating and cooling systems, refrigeration, medical equipment, internet connectivity, and other essential services. Businesses may be forced to close temporarily, resulting in lost revenue and financial hardship. Traffic signals in the affected area may have been inoperable, creating additional safety hazards and management challenges for traffic.
PG&E crews worked throughout the day to assess the damage, replace the compromised power pole, and restore electrical service to affected customers. The utility company’s response time and restoration efforts were critical in minimizing the disruption to the community.
Understanding the Dangers of Downed Power Lines
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the extreme dangers associated with downed power lines. When power lines fall to the ground, they can remain energized with potentially lethal amounts of electricity. The lines may not show obvious signs of being live, such as sparking or making noise, yet still pose a fatal risk to anyone who comes into contact with them.
According to electrical safety experts, downed power lines can energize the ground around them in a phenomenon known as “ground gradient.” This means that the earth itself can become electrified in a radius around the downed line, creating dangerous “step potential” zones where someone walking could receive a severe or fatal electric shock simply by having their feet at different voltage levels.
In accidents involving downed power lines, emergency responders follow strict protocols to protect public safety. The area must be secured with a wide perimeter to prevent pedestrians and vehicles from approaching. Only trained utility workers, equipped with proper safety procedures and equipment, can safely handle downed power lines.
For anyone who witnesses downed power lines, safety officials recommend:
- Staying at least 35 feet away from downed lines and anything they’re touching
- Assuming all downed lines are energized and dangerous
- Never attempt to move downed lines or objects in contact with them
- Call 911 immediately to report the hazard
- Warning others to stay away from the area
- If a power line falls on a vehicle, stay inside unless there’s an immediate danger like fire
The Consequences of Losing Control of a Vehicle
While this particular accident resulted in property damage and infrastructure disruption rather than personal injuries, it illustrates how quickly a loss of vehicle control can escalate into a serious situation with widespread consequences. When drivers lose control of their vehicles, the consequences can range from minor single-vehicle accidents to catastrophic collisions that affect multiple people and critical infrastructure.
Common causes of drivers losing control include:
Excessive speed: Driving too fast for road conditions reduces reaction time and makes it difficult to navigate turns or respond to hazards.
Distracted driving: Taking attention away from the road to use a phone, adjust controls, or engage with passengers can lead to sudden loss of control.
Impaired driving: While the driver in this incident was not intoxicated, alcohol and drugs remain the leading causes of loss-of-control accidents.
Mechanical failures, such as tire blowouts, brake failures, or steering system malfunctions, can cause drivers to lose control suddenly.
Road conditions: Wet pavement, oil slicks, debris, or uneven surfaces can cause vehicles to skid or hydroplane.
Driver fatigue: Drowsy driving can cause delayed reactions or microsleep episodes, leading to a loss of control.
Overcorrection: When a vehicle drifts toward a shoulder or obstacle, panicked overcorrection can cause the car to swerve violently in the opposite direction.
Even when traveling at moderate speeds, a vehicle that strikes a fixed object, such as a utility pole, can cause serious injuries to occupants and pose hazards to the surrounding community. The force of impact can be substantial enough to bring down power lines, damage traffic signals, rupture gas lines, or cause other infrastructure failures.
Legal Rights After Infrastructure-Related Accidents
When vehicle accidents result in damage to public infrastructure, such as power poles, complex legal questions can arise regarding liability and responsibility. Property owners, businesses, and individuals affected by the resulting power outage or road closures may wonder about their rights to compensation for the losses they incur.
California law holds drivers responsible for damage they cause through negligent operation of their vehicles. If a driver’s negligence results in damage to public or private property, they can be held financially liable for:
- The cost of repairing or replacing damaged infrastructure
- Business losses due to forced closures during power outages
- Spoiled food and medications due to a lack of refrigeration
- Expenses for temporary accommodations if power outages make homes uninhabitable
- Damage to electronics and appliances caused by power surges
Insurance typically plays a central role in these situations. The at-fault driver’s auto liability insurance should cover damage they cause to property, including utility infrastructure. However, there are limits to coverage amounts, and damages exceeding policy limits may require additional legal action.
For businesses and individuals who suffer significant losses due to infrastructure accidents, documenting all damages is crucial. This includes:
- Photographs of damage
- Receipts for spoiled inventory or food
- Records of business closure periods and estimated lost revenue
- Invoices for temporary housing or generator rental
- Documentation of medical equipment disruption, if applicable
What to Do If You’re Involved in or Affected by an Infrastructure Accident
If you’re directly involved in an accident that damages infrastructure like power poles, your immediate priorities should be safety and proper reporting:
Ensure safety: If power lines are down, remain in your vehicle unless there’s an immediate threat, such as a fire. Power lines may still be energized and extremely dangerous.
Call 911: Report the accident immediately so emergency responders and utility companies can respond quickly.
Document the scene: If it’s safe to do so, take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and infrastructure damage.
Cooperate with authorities: Provide accurate information to police officers investigating the accident.
Notify your insurance: Contact your auto insurance company as soon as possible to report the incident.
Avoid making statements: Beyond factual information for the police report, avoid making detailed statements about fault or what happened until you’ve consulted with legal counsel.
For individuals and businesses affected by infrastructure damage caused by someone else’s accident, you may have grounds for a claim against the at-fault driver or their insurance company. An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate your situation and help you understand your options for recovering compensation.
Why Infrastructure Accidents Require Thorough Investigation
Accidents involving damage to critical infrastructure, such as power lines, require a comprehensive investigation to determine causation and liability. While this particular incident appears to be a straightforward case of a driver losing control, investigations can reveal contributing factors that affect liability determinations:
Road design and maintenance: Were there road defects, poor visibility, inadequate signage, or maintenance issues that contributed to the loss of control?
Vehicle defects: Did a mechanical failure, such as a brake malfunction or a tire defect, cause the driver to lose control?
Utility pole placement: Was the utility pole placed in a location that created an unreasonable hazard, or was it inadequately protected from vehicle strikes?
Driver factors: Beyond intoxication, were there medical events, prescription medication effects, or other driver impairments that contributed?
Environmental conditions: Did weather, lighting, or other environmental factors play a role?
A thorough investigation examines all these factors to create a complete picture of how and why the accident occurred. This investigation is essential not only for determining liability in potential civil claims but also for identifying opportunities to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Fresno’s Infrastructure and Traffic Safety Challenges
Fresno faces ongoing challenges related to infrastructure maintenance and traffic safety. As California’s fifth-largest city, Fresno has an extensive network of roads, utilities, and infrastructure that require regular maintenance and protection. Intersections like First Street and Ashlan Avenue serve as critical connectors in this network, and disruptions can have ripple effects throughout the region.
The city has implemented various measures to enhance traffic safety, including improved signage, enhanced road maintenance, and public awareness campaigns that promote safe driving practices. However, accidents like this one highlight the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to vehicle collisions and underscore the importance of implementing protective measures around utility installations.
For residents and visitors navigating Fresno’s roadways, remaining alert, driving at appropriate speeds for the conditions, and avoiding distractions are crucial to preventing accidents that can endanger not only those directly involved but also entire communities that depend on shared infrastructure.
Safety, Accountability, and Community Recovery
The vehicle collision that brought down power lines at First Street and Ashlan Avenue serves as a reminder of how individual actions on our roadways can have far-reaching consequences for entire communities. While this incident fortunately resulted in no injuries, it disrupted power for thousands of residents and created significant traffic challenges in a busy part of Fresno.
As the investigation into this accident continues, the focus remains on restoring normal operations, understanding what caused the driver to lose control, and implementing any necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. For those affected by the power outage or other consequences of the collision, understanding your legal rights and options for compensation is an essential step in the recovery process.
At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we stand ready to help accident victims and those affected by the negligent actions of others throughout Fresno and California. If you have questions about your rights following an infrastructure-related accident, please don’t hesitate to reach out for a free and confidential consultation. Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Stay safe on Fresno’s roads, remain vigilant around downed power lines, and know that experienced legal help is available if you need it.
How GJEL Accident Attorneys Can Help
“Even though no one was physically injured in this particular collision, accidents involving downed power lines create real hardships for families and businesses throughout the affected area. If you lost food, medications, or had to close your business because someone else’s negligence caused a power outage, those are legitimate damages under California law. Many people are unaware of their right to seek compensation for these losses. The financial impact can be significant—especially for small businesses that lose a day or more of revenue, or families who depend on refrigerated medications. Don’t assume your losses are too small to matter or that there’s nothing you can do. Document everything, keep your receipts, and consult with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your situation. At GJEL, we’ve helped countless clients recover compensation for damages that insurance companies initially tried to dismiss as minor inconveniences. You shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden of someone else’s mistake, and we’re here to make sure you don’t have to.” — Andy Gillin, Managing Partner, GJEL Accident Attorneys
At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we understand the complex legal issues that arise when vehicle accidents damage critical infrastructure and affect entire communities. Whether you were directly involved in such an accident or your home or business suffered losses due to someone else’s negligence, we can help you understand your rights and options.
Our experienced legal team has spent decades advocating for accident victims throughout California, including Fresno and the Central Valley. We possess the resources and expertise to investigate infrastructure-related accidents thoroughly, identify all potentially liable parties, and advocate for the full compensation our clients deserve.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. This no-win, no-fee approach ensures that everyone has access to experienced legal representation regardless of their financial situation. When you’re dealing with the aftermath of an accident—whether as a victim or as someone whose livelihood was disrupted—you shouldn’t have to worry about how you’ll afford legal help.
If you or your business has been affected by an infrastructure-related accident in Fresno or anywhere in California, contact GJEL Accident Attorneys today at 1-866-218-3776 or visit our Oakland office for a complimentary consultation. We’ll review the circumstances of your case, explain your legal options, and provide honest guidance about the best path forward. Our commitment is to you and your recovery, not to insurance companies or other interests.
Local Fresno Resources for Accident Victims and Affected Residents
If you’ve been involved in an accident or affected by infrastructure damage in Fresno, the following resources can assist:
Fresno Police Department 2323 Mariposa Street, Fresno, CA 93721 Non-emergency: (559) 621-7000 Emergency: 911 Website The Fresno Police Department investigates traffic collisions throughout the city and maintains accident reports. You can request a copy of a traffic collision report online or in person at the Records Division. The department’s Traffic Safety Unit works to reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths through enforcement and education programs.
Fresno Fire Department 2100 Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93721 Non-emergency: (559) 621-4000 Emergency: 911 Website The Fresno Fire Department responds to accidents involving hazardous materials, downed power lines, and situations requiring immediate rescue operations. They work closely with utility companies to secure accident scenes and protect public safety.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) reports outages: 1-800-743-5000. Customer service: 1-800-743-5000. Downed power line emergency: 911 or 1-800-743-5000. Website: Report Outage. Online Safety Information. PG&E provides electrical service to Fresno and maintains the power infrastructure. Report power outages, downed lines, or damaged utility poles immediately. Their website offers outage maps, estimated restoration times, and critical safety information about electrical hazards.
California Highway Patrol – Fresno Area Office 5241 E. McKinley Avenue, Fresno, CA 93727 Non-emergency: (559) 262-0400 Emergency: 911 Website Online Traffic Incident Information The CHP investigates accidents on state highways and freeways in the Fresno area. They provide traffic collision reports and maintain real-time traffic incident information on their website to help drivers avoid problem areas.
Fresno Council of Governments (Fresno COG), 2035 Tulare Street, Suite 201, Fresno, CA 93721. Phone: (559) 233-4148. Website. Fresno COG is the regional transportation planning agency serving Fresno County. They coordinate transportation projects, safety initiatives, and provide information about regional transportation planning and traffic management.
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) – District 6, 855 M Street, Suite 200, Fresno, CA 93721. Phone: (559) 445-6000. Website: QuickMap. Traffic Conditions. Caltrans maintains state highways and provides real-time traffic information, road conditions, and construction updates. Their QuickMap service shows current traffic incidents and closures throughout the region.
Fresno County Department of Public Health, 1221 Fulton Street, Fresno, CA 93721. Phone: (559) 600-3200. Website. The health department provides information about environmental health hazards, food safety concerns during power outages, and can assist with medical equipment needs when power is disrupted.
Community Regional Medical Center, 2823 Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93721. Emergency: (559) 459-6000. Main: (559) 459-6000. Website. Community Regional is a Level I Trauma Center, providing comprehensive emergency services for serious injuries resulting from traffic accidents and other emergencies.
Saint Agnes Medical Center 1303 E. Herndon Avenue, Fresno, CA 93720 Emergency: (559) 450-3000 Main: (559) 450-3000 Website Saint Agnes provides emergency medical services and trauma care for accident victims throughout the Fresno area.
California Department of Motor Vehicles – Fresno Office, 1377 Fulton Street, Fresno, CA 93721. Phone: 1-800-777-0133. Website: Online Services. The DMV maintains driving records, processes accident reports for insurance purposes, and handles driver’s license issues following traffic violations or accidents.
Fresno County Superior Court 1100 Van Ness Avenue, Fresno, CA 93721 Phone: (559) 457-2000 Website Traffic Division Information The Superior Court handles traffic violations, civil litigation related to accidents, and personal injury cases. Their Traffic Division processes traffic citations and provides information about contesting tickets.
California Department of Insurance Consumer Hotline: 1-800-927-4357. Website: File a Complaint. The Department of Insurance assists consumers with insurance-related questions and complaints, including disputes over accident claims and coverage issues.
Better Business Bureau – Central California Website Phone: (559) 252-4545 The BBB provides information about businesses, including insurance companies and repair shops, and assists with resolving consumer disputes.
Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (Fresno EOC) 1920 Mariposa Mall, Suite 300, Fresno, CA 93721 Phone: (559) 263-1000 Website: Fresno EOC provides emergency assistance programs for low-income families and individuals facing financial hardship due to unexpected events like power outages or accidents.
211 Central California Dial: 211 (or 1-559-600-4636) Website Available 24/7 211 provides free, confidential information and referrals to community resources, including emergency assistance, food banks, utility assistance programs, and crisis intervention services.
American Red Cross – Central California Region Phone: (559) 455-1000 Website The Red Cross provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and support services for individuals and families affected by accidents or infrastructure failures.
