Canutillo, Texas – Early Saturday morning, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office ordered the closure of several downtown streets after live electrical wires were reported down on the intersection of Second, Third and Fourth Streets with La Mesa. The safety‑first decision was made to protect residents and motorists from the danger of exposed, energized conductors.
Immediate impact on traffic and residents
All three streets are currently blocked off, and detour routes have not yet been posted. Drivers are advised to use alternate thoroughfares and to follow any signage posted by law‑enforcement officers on the scene. The Sheriff’s Office has not provided an estimated time for when the streets will reopen, noting that the situation remains “developing.”
Power outage details
According to the El Paso Electric outage map, as of 1:07 a.m. CDT, 3,603 customers in the surrounding area were without electricity. The utility confirmed that crews are on site, working to secure the downed wires and restore power as quickly and safely as possible.
Safety advice for the community
Officials remind residents to stay clear of the downed lines and to report any additional hazards to 911. If you see smoke, sparks, or hear a humming sound near the wires, move to a safe distance and alert emergency responders immediately. Do not attempt to move or touch the wires under any circumstances.
What’s next?
The Sheriff’s Office and El Paso Electric will continue to provide updates as the cleanup progresses. Residents can monitor the utility’s outage map online or follow local news outlets for the latest information. The public is encouraged to remain patient while crews work to restore safe conditions and power service.
Community response
Local business owners expressed concern about the disruption, noting that the closed streets affect foot traffic and deliveries. However, they praised the swift action taken by law‑enforcement and the utility, emphasizing that safety must come first. The community is urged to support one another during the outage by checking on neighbors, especially seniors and families with young children, who may be more vulnerable to power loss.
For further updates, stay tuned to KVIA’s broadcast and online platforms, as well as the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office social media channels.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
