A portion of Sam Rittenberg Boulevard in Charleston, South Carolina, was closed to traffic on Monday afternoon due to an incident involving a utility pole. The Charleston Police Department (CPD) reported that the road was blocked in both directions between Skylark Drive and Orleans Road following a crash that caused significant disruption to traffic and power in the area.
The Incident and Road Closure
The road closure occurred after a crash caused a power pole to snap, leaving the area impacted by multiple power outages. Traffic lights in nearby areas were also affected by the outage, further complicating the situation for commuters. CPD issued an alert advising residents and drivers to avoid the area to allow emergency services to address the situation.
Details of the Crash
Though CPD officials confirmed the cause of the incident was a crash, details regarding the number of vehicles involved and whether there were any injuries have not yet been released. Authorities have not provided further information about the circumstances leading to the crash but are actively working to clear the scene and restore normal traffic flow.
Power Outages and Impact
The power pole that was damaged in the crash led to multiple power outages, affecting the nearby traffic lights and possibly some local homes and businesses. The Charleston utility companies are likely working to restore power to the affected areas as quickly as possible.
Public Advisory
Police are urging drivers to avoid Sam Rittenberg Boulevard and to seek alternate routes to minimize congestion and ensure the safety of first responders at the scene. The closure of this busy road during peak hours could lead to significant traffic delays, so it’s important to follow any detour signs and directions provided by local authorities.
The crash involving a utility pole on Sam Rittenberg Boulevard has caused significant disruptions to traffic and power in the area. Drivers are advised to stay clear of the affected section of the road as authorities work to clear the scene and restore normalcy. Further updates on the incident and the status of the road reopening will likely follow as the situation develops.