Traffic collision downs power pole in Palm Desert

A traffic collision downed a power pole Sunday night in Palm Desert, causing a fire and knocking out electricity to 115 Southern California Edison customers.

According to Deputy Armondo Munoz of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, a single-vehicle collision occurred at 8:40 p.m. in a residential area near Astor Drive and Primrose Drive.

KESQ News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 reporter Alex Chaney was at the scene and said the pole was knocked down and smoking on the ground.

Chaney said a woman was administered a breathalyzer test before being put into the back of a squad car.

Munoz said it was unknown if drugs or alcohol were factors, however, the collision is under investigation.

Southern California Edison said 115 customers in the area were without service.

Crews were on the scene early Monday morning. Edison restored all service restored by 12:45 a.m.