Car slams into utility pole, knocks out power in Anaheim

ANAHEIM, Calif. (KABC) -- A car slammed into a utility pole in Anaheim and knocked out power for area residents early Tuesday morning.

A driver in a dark colored Honda sedan crashed into a power pole near Ball Road around 2:30 a.m. The wreck sheared off the pole, which was left dangling by just a few power lines.

Initially, around 3,500 customers were without power. Most of the power has since been restored, but several homes and businesses near the scene of the crash remained without power.

As of midday, approximately 300 customers were still without power - meaning they were without air conditioning. Residents scrambled to salvage the food in their refrigerators, and sought cool places to seek shelter from the heat.

Officials estimated power will not be fully restored until 2 p.m.

It's unclear what caused the wreck. Authorities said the driver was able to walk away with just minor injuries.

That driver told investigators that he swerved his vehicle to avoid hitting a cat on the road. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Both directions of Knott Avenue near Ball Avenue was closed for cleanup. Lanes began reopening shortly before 6 a.m.