Crash Knocks Power Lines Onto 101, Shutting Down Freeway

HOLLYWOOD, CA —A hit-and-run crash on Melrose Avenue near Mariposa Avenue in Hollywood sent power lines onto the nearby Hollywood (101) Freeway, prompting a nearly five-hour closure of the freeway in both directions at Melrose Avenue.

The collision occurred about 10 p.m. Monday on westbound Melrose Avenue when a black 4-door 2010 Honda Civic struck the rear driver side quarter panel of a black Chrysler sedan, driven by a man from Bakersfield, according to a statement from the California Highway Patrol.

The impact caused the driver of the Chrysler to lose control and strike a utility pole on Melrose Avenue, adjacent to the freeway, the statement said.

The impact sheered the pole and detached power lines, which fell onto the freeway. CHP officers responded to the scene and diverted traffic away from the power lines. Caltrans closed the freeway to allow Los Angeles Department of Water and Power crews to repair the damaged lines.

The driver of the Chrysler complained of pain, but declined to be transported to the hospital, the CHP said.

The Los Angeles Police Department's Central Traffic Division was investigating the crash.

City News Service; Photo: Shutterstock