MURRIETA – Murrieta Hot Springs Road was temporarily closed in both directions between Margarita and Whitewood Roads after a Southern California Edison power pole was severely damaged by a runaway trailer Sunday, Nov. 13. The trailer that was reportedly carrying a dune buggy had come lose from a pickup truck according to a Murrieta Fire official.
The trailer’s impact with the power pole left the pole leaning precariously over the eastbound lanes of the roadway. The accident happened after the trailer carrying the dune buggy came unhitched from a pickup truck that had been towing the trailer, according to Murrieta Fire Battalion Chief Steve Kean.
Southern California Edison personnel were summoned to the scene after the non-injury traffic collision to assess the damaged pole and de-energize the power lines so the pole could be replaced, Kean explained in a telephone interview.
The closure was reportedly impacting a number of commercial businesses along Margarita Hot Springs Road, due to patrons not being able to travel between the closures.
Although both directions of travel were initially closed to through traffic, westbound lanes were reopened about 4 p.m., according to Kean. There was no estimated time available for when eastbound lanes of traffic were expected to be reopened.
There were no reported injuries related to the traffic accident.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
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