All four lanes of 101 closed due to a traffic collision

All four lanes of Highway 101 are closed due to a traffic collision, a car sheared off a power pole between West Grant and West Washington.

1:45 p.m.: Crown Victoria crashed into a power pole in front of Leons Muffler shop



EPD's Suzie Owsley confirmed, "At 1:05 today we received a call of a driver that was driving south bound on Broadway And the driver hit the power pole / lines at Broadway near West Washington. All lanes of Broadway are closed at this time between West Grant and West Washington. No idea when they're going to be open yet. No injuries."

1:47 p.m. update from EPD: "At this time both Southbound lanes are open as well as the number one lane northbound which would be the left lane."

(Photos courtesy KAEF)

Humboldt Bay Fire Press Release:

On 09/02/19 at 1:04 P.M. Humboldt Bay Fire responded to a traffic collision with a report of power lines down. Upon arrival, Eureka Police and Humboldt Bay Fire units found a vehicle had collided with a utility pole on the northbound side of Broadway near 900 Block of Broadway.

The utility pole was sheered off and laying in the roadway. Power lines were hanging across Broadway and presenting a significant hazard as they were still connected on both sides of the street.

There were numerous bystanders stepping over and standing on the lines. Humboldt Bay Fire personnel and Eureka Police Officers secured a perimeter around the downed lines and shut down Broadway in both directions due to the potential threat from the damaged lines. Police and fire personnel located the driver of the involved vehicle and ensured he was uninjured. 

Pacific Gas and Electric was contacted and quickly responded to the scene. Pacific Gas and Electric personnel were able to de-energize the lines and remove the damaged pole and lines from the roadway. Broadway was re-opened after being closed for about 45 minutes .

Humboldt Bay Fire wants to caution people to stay away from down power poles and lines. Although the lines may appear de-energized, never approach a downed line. We were very fortunate to not have anyone injured by their contact with the lines today. We also want to thank Pacific Gas and Electric for their quick response to the scene.