Nine utility poles topple on El Camino Real; police and utility crews clear roadway, investigate oversized load

Atascadero police and public‑works officials described a major incident on El Camino Real in which an oversized trailer hauling a modular home snagged overhead lines and — by Chief Suttles’ account — initiated a domino effect that left nine poles lying in the roadway.

"I believe the final count was about nine power poles that had been that had fallen into the roadway with all the lines down as well," Chief Suttles told the council, describing the call as arriving about 9:30 a.m. He said the stretch affected nearly two blocks of a four‑lane highway and that, miraculously, no motorists or pedestrians were injured. "We were, in my opinion, very lucky," the chief said.

Traffic closures and multi‑agency response (police, fire, CHP and utility crews) were required to secure the scene. Assistant City Manager Laura Christiansen praised AT&T and PG&E for rapid repairs: crews replaced poles and restored lateral lines overnight and had much of the roadway cleared by about midday the following day.

Police told the council they interviewed the driver, who remained on scene and provided a statement; initial field investigation indicates an oversized module being transported struck a line and a chain reaction followed. The council heard residents and business owners were inconvenienced by prolonged closures but that there were only minor property damages to a parked vehicle.

Public Works staff and the utilities are evaluating permanent repairs and any needed traffic improvements at the location. The council’s discussion also noted the incident underscores the interplay of truck routing, utility line height, and special‑load permitting.

What’s next

Police will continue investigative follow‑up; public works will coordinate with utilities on repairs and any traffic mitigation; the city and utilities will review permitting and over‑height transport protocols as needed.