Vehicle severs power pole and crashes into canal, Merced fire officials say

A section of East Childs Avenue is closed Sunday after a vehicle crashed into a power pole, causing power lines to stretch across the roadway, according to fire officials.

Merced Fire Battalion Chief Mickey Brunelli said firefighters responded to a report of a vehicle that crashed into a power pole and ended up in a canal in the 2600 block of East Childs Avenue just after 10:30 a.m.

According to Brunelli, firefighters on scene reported power lines down after the pole had been severed in the crash.

Brunelli said the driver was able to exit the vehicle under their own power and was evaluated at the scene. It is unknown if the driver suffered any injuries.

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. has been contacted to repair the pole and downed lines, Brunelli said. He added that some nearby residences were affected by the crash, however, the total number affected is unknown at this time.

Part of East Childs remains closed as crews work at the scene. According to Brunelli, people should be able to access to their residences in the area along the road up to the incident scene.

Brunelli said firefighters will remain on scene until PG&E crews secure the area and it is unknown when the road will fully reopen.