Crash leaves nearly 800 homes without power

A silver SUV crashed into a power pole and a fire hydrant in the 2800 block of Verdugo Road on Thursday afternoon, leaving 796 homes in the area without electricity, said City Spokesman Tom Lorenz.

The crash, reported at 3:37 p.m., left customers in the dark between Honolulu Avenue in Montrose and Opechee Way, Lorenz said. As of 4:45 pm, power had been restored to nearly all customers, he said.

Utility employees are working to restore power and shut off water gushing from the sheared hydrant, he said.

Southbound traffic on Verdugo is being diverted to Cañada Boulevard, Lorenz said.

The occupants of the SUV were able to get out of the vehicle, but it’s unknown if they suffered any injuries, he added.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.