The crash was horrific. The SUV slammed into the power pole, splitting it in half.
SUV hits power pole on Almaden Expressway in San Jose. SB lanes blocked between Rajkovich Way and O'Grady Drive. Driver expected to survive. pic.twitter.com/oOBVsTxVO6
— Matt Keller (@MattKellerABC7) October 20, 2016
The most life-threatening part of this incident came after that SUV came to a rest on its side. The high voltage lines went down, making the rescue life-threatening to everyone, including the firefighters there to help.
PG&E is in control of the situation, getting power on for most of the homes in the area. Now they have to replace the power pole, which is expected to take hours.
This happened just before 11:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Road crews say 1 lane of Almaden Expressway closed due to SUV crash & power lines down will open up before 6:30am. pic.twitter.com/ZGLHiDakTq
— Matt Keller (@MattKellerABC7) October 20, 2016
Fire crews were on the scene for several hours, trying to help the driver. They had to navigate through the high-voltage lines to get the driver out.
The driver is expected to survive.
One lane of southbound Almaden Expressway has been reopened. Parts of southbound Almaden Expressway between O'Grady Drive and Rajkovich Way will remain closed on Thursday as crews replace the pole.
PG&E says power restored in Almaden in San Jose. Power to ~3100 customers was lost before 11:30 last night when SUV knocked over power pole. pic.twitter.com/oN0puZW2w1
— Matt Keller (@MattKellerABC7) October 20, 2016