North Providence, Rhode Island – A late-evening crash on Tuesday left thousands of residents without electricity after a vehicle struck a utility pole along a busy roadway. Authorities say the incident caused significant damage to power infrastructure, prompting emergency repairs and an overnight restoration effort.
Incident Overview
Police confirmed that a single vehicle crashed into a utility pole on Fruit Hill Avenue on Tuesday evening, disrupting electrical service across parts of North Providence. The collision occurred shortly after sunset, a time when traffic volumes remain moderate and visibility can change quickly.
The impact damaged power lines and equipment connected to the pole, leading to a widespread outage that affected nearby homes and businesses.
Timeline of Events
According to officials, the crash happened at approximately 6:35 p.m. on Tuesday. Emergency responders arrived shortly afterward to secure the scene, manage traffic, and assess safety risks posed by downed or damaged electrical equipment.
Power crews were dispatched soon after the collision to begin evaluating the extent of the damage and planning repairs. Utility officials later confirmed that restoration work would continue through the night, with electricity expected to return in the early morning hours.
Details From Police and Officials
Police said the driver involved was 18 years old and lost control of the vehicle before striking the pole. No other vehicles were reported to be involved in the crash…