SIGALERT: Driver Strikes Hwy 74 Power Pole, Roadway Shut Down Friday

PERRIS, CA — An SUV driver struck a light pole and crushed mailboxes Friday afternoon, leading to several hours of road closure as repairs were made, and a trapped motorist extricated, officials say.

Just after 12:30 p.m., a driver struck a light pole in a single-car crash. He remained inside the vehicle, which was believed to be a small SUV, due to injury and live wires.

"The light pole was tilted, and multiple mailboxes were destroyed in the crash," a CHP spokesperson said. Numerous officials arrived at the scene, including Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department, Riverside County Sheriff's Department, and CHP.

Firefighters worked with SoCal Edison to resolve electrical issues and de-energize the lines, so that the victim could be safely removed from the vehicle. The driver suffered minor injuries, according to reports from the scene.

Sheriff's deputies and CHP officers immediately shut down both eastbound and westbound lanes for public safety, forcing traffic to detour, using Ellis Avenue to the west of the crash and Navajo Road to the east of it.

The victim, whose identity wasn't disclosed, was taken to a regional trauma center for treatment of minor injuries, according to reports from the scene.

As of 3 p.m., the highway remained closed. SCE crews were expected to make repairs to the pole and restore electricity to the immediate area by mid-afternoon.

The cause of the crash was under investigation.

During the incident, both directions of the SR-74 were closed for several hours, from Navajo to West Ellis, at least until 4 p.m., they said.