Raleigh police responded to a traffic incident on Sunday afternoon when a car traveling at speed left Wade Avenue near the intersection with Glenwood Avenue and collided with two utility poles. The crash occurred at approximately 11:45 a.m., according to Raleigh Watch Commander Lieutenant Mark Davis.
Immediate response and safety measures
First responders quickly secured the scene and confirmed that the poles were energized, creating a hazardous situation for nearby residents and motorists. Duke Energy crews were dispatched within minutes to de‑energize the lines, remove the damaged poles, and begin repairs. The utility company reported that power was restored to most affected customers within a few hours, though some neighborhoods experienced longer outages while crews completed the work.
Driver’s condition and legal follow‑up
The driver, whose identity has not been released, was not suspected of impairment and did not appear to be injured in the collision. Police noted that the vehicle’s speed was a primary factor in the crash and that the driver is expected to receive a traffic citation for reckless driving. No other vehicles were involved, and there were no reports of injuries to pedestrians or bystanders.
Impact on the community
Residents in the vicinity of Wade Avenue reported brief loss of electricity to several homes and businesses. Local businesses, including a nearby coffee shop and a small retail store, experienced temporary disruptions but were able to resume operations once power was restored. The incident underscores the importance of safe driving practices, especially on busy city thoroughfares where utility infrastructure is closely spaced.
Public‑works perspective
City officials reminded drivers that Raleigh’s road network includes numerous utility easements and that speeding near these areas can pose serious risks to public safety. The Raleigh Department of Transportation (RDOT) is reviewing the crash site to determine whether additional signage or traffic calming measures are needed to prevent similar incidents.
What residents can do
Anyone who experiences a power outage or sees damaged utility equipment should report it immediately to Duke Energy’s emergency line at 1‑800‑777‑5555. Residents are also encouraged to practice safe driving habits, obey posted speed limits, and stay alert for construction zones or utility work that may be present on city streets.
Authorities will continue to investigate the cause of the crash and will release any further details as they become available. In the meantime, Duke Energy and city officials are working together to ensure that power service remains reliable and that Raleigh’s streets stay safe for all travelers.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
