600 Batavia residents lose power after drivers slams into electric utility box, minutes after earlier crash

A vehicle crashed into an electric utility box in Batavia causing a widespread hour-long power outage affecting around 600 customers. Police say the driver was also involved in an earlier two-vehicle crash.

A vehicle crashed into an electric utility box in Batavia Wednesday, causing a widespread hourlong power outage affecting around 600 customers. Batavia Police said the crash involved a 72-year-old man driver who was determined to be suffering from a medical issue. The man was transported to the hospital for his medical issue but did not appear to suffer any additional injuries from the crash.

The crash occurred around 10:45 a.m. near the intersection of Houston Street and North Water Street. Power was restored to the area around 11:50 a.m., according to a police release. The vehicle driven by the man was traveling northbound on Water Street and failed to stop at the intersection stop sign before striking the electric utility box.

Police say the city’s electric department turned off the electricity so that the driver could be removed safely from the vehicle. The same vehicle was involved in another crash around 12 minutes earlier, according to the release. The driver’s red Hyundai Kona was traveling north on South Batavia Avenue approaching West Wilson Street and failed to slow in time for the stopped traffic at the red light.

The vehicle struck the corner of a white Nissan Pathfinder. Police say the driver of the Hyundai was reported to appear confused and left the scene before officers arrived. No injuries are reported from this crash.

The damages to both vehicles were minor. No charges have been announced by the police.