Car Crash Knocks Over Poles, Power to 445 Homes in Alexandria

A car crashed into two power poles Friday afternoon in Alexandria, knocking out power to 445 homes and creating havoc during the afternoon rush hour.

The car hit the poles along the 1600 block of N. Van Dorn Street near Kenmore Avenue in Alexandria at about 1 p.m. Friday, said Dominion spokesman Chuck Penn.

Power lines could be seen draped just over the grass behind a group of townhomes, Parkside at Alexandria, four hours later as power crews worked to restore power and fix the poles.

Police have blocked off at least half a mile heading north on Van Dorn so the crews can do their work. Traffic diverting from I-395 onto Van Dorn are finding it’s slow going along Van Dorn as well, due to the scene.

Penn said at 5 p.m. that power is back on for some homes and estimated that power will be back on early this evening for all homes affected by the crash.