The crash happened around 10:20 p.m. Tuesday. Authorities said Jeffrey Sweet, 42, of Simi Valley, was driving eastbound on Royal Avenue when he failed to negotiate a curve at Blackstock Avenue. His vehicle hit a home, downed a telephone pole and came to rest upside down on the retaining wall of a second home.
Nearby residents helped Sweet get out of the vehicle. No one else was involved in the crash. Sweet did not have any visible injuries, but he was transported to the Simi Valley Hospital after complaining of pain. He was medically cleared and arrested on suspicion of DUI.
Two homes were immediately evacuated because Sweet's vehicle had sheared the gas service line to one residence. Emergency crews were able to close the gas service line, preventing a fire from erupting.
Power was restored in the area and Royal Avenue was reopened by Wednesday afternoon.
No one was seriously hurt.
Meantime, neighbors said accidents are common in the area.
"This corner is crazy over the past few years," said resident Jeff Jenson. "I've been here in this neighborhood 40 years. I've probably seen at least 30 accidents on this corner. I think the corner is so sharp."
There was no answer at Sweet's residence Wednesday. He's expected to be charged with a misdemeanor DUI.
