Crash closes intersection at Gene Autry Trail and Vista Chino in Palm Springs
Update 07/01 7:20 A.M.
Southern California Edison officials say all lanes at the intersection of North Gene Autry Trail and East Vista Chino will be closed until 8 P.M. following an early morning crash in Palm Springs.
Around 2:15 Wednesday morning, Palm Springs Police Department officers responded to a traffic collision at North Gene Autry Trail and East Vista Chino.
When officers arrived, they found that a vehicle had collided with a power pole, causing the pole to shear off and multiple high-voltage power lines to fall into the roadway.
The driver was contacted at the scene and detained.
During the investigation, the driver displayed objective signs of alcohol impairment. A DUI investigation was conducted, and the driver was subsequently arrested.
Due to the severity of the collision and the hazards created by the downed power lines, Southern California Edison responded to the scene to address the damaged power pole and electrical lines.
Edison advised that repairs would take several hours before power could be restored to the affected area.
Once the roadway is reopened, the Palm Springs Police Department will update the community via Everbridge. Law enforcement reminds the public to avoid the area while crews continue repairs, and roadway closures remain in place.
Anyone with additional information regarding this collision is encouraged to contact the Palm Springs Police Department at 760-327-1441.
Original report 07/01 5 A.M.
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — All lanes at the intersection of Gene Autry Trail and Vista Chino are closed Wednesday morning following an early morning traffic collision, Palm Springs police said.
Police sent out an alert about the crash just before 3 a.m. and warned of downed power lines in the area.
Traffic is being diverted from Vista Chino through Executive Drive to Via Escuela.
Utility crews are on scene working to repair the power lines. Southern California Edison is also reporting a power outage in the area, affecting about 240 customers. News Channel 3 crews also witnessed a nearby transformer explode Wednesday morning.
Police have not said when the roadway will reopen or whether anyone was hurt in the crash.
News Channel 3 has reached out for more information.
