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A single-vehicle crash in Gresham sent a utility pole crashing down Saturday afternoon, cutting electricity to hundreds of homes and businesses in the area, authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. near the intersection of Southeast Powell Valley Road and Southeast 190th Avenue, according to the Gresham Police Department. A driver lost control of their sedan, struck a wooden utility pole, and then plowed through a section of residential fencing before coming to a stop.
No injuries were reported, but the crash caused immediate power disruptions. Pacific Power reported that approximately 320 customers were without electricity as of late Saturday evening. Crews worked through the night to replace the damaged pole and restore service, with full power expected back by Sunday morning.
Police are investigating the cause of the crash. Preliminary information suggests the driver, a 34-year-old Gresham resident, may have been speeding or distracted, though no citations have been issued yet. Impairment is not suspected at this time, officers said.
The vehicle was heavily damaged and towed from the scene. The fence belonged to a nearby home, where the homeowner expressed relief that no one was injured. “We heard a loud bang and the lights went out,” said the resident, who asked to remain anonymous. “It could have been much worse.”
This is the third utility pole collision in Gresham this month, raising concerns about road safety in the area. Local traffic safety advocates say the stretch of Powell Valley Road has seen a rise in accidents due to congestion and poor lighting. “These poles are not protected by barriers, so a simple loss of control can turn into a neighborhood-wide outage,” said Mark Thompson, a transportation engineer from Portland State University who reviewed the incident.
The Gresham City Council is expected to discuss the installation of protective bollards around critical infrastructure during next week’s meeting. In the meantime, Pacific Power is urging residents to report any downed wires or flickering lights immediately.
This article was updated on March 30, 2025, with current power restoration status and police investigation details.
