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.