Semi hit by wind hits power pole on Hwy. 26 in Madras; 275 CEC members lose power for hours

(Update: More details from OSP)

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) – A semi-truck whose empty trailer was hit by winds struck and snapped a Central Electric Cooperative utility pole Tuesday morning, knocking out power for about 275 Central Electric Cooperative members in Madras for several hours, officials said.

The incident happened around 6 a.m. on Highway 26 at NW Boise Drive, Oregon State Police said.

Troopers said a semi-truck driven by a Washington state man was heading north on Highway 26 when high winds pushed the empty trailer off the northbound shoulder and the truck struck a utility pole, fence and irrigation pump.

The rig came to rest on the highway shoulder, with the power pole on top of the cab. No injuries were reported.

ODOT, Madras Fire, SMAF Environmental and Central Electric Co-op all responded to assist, OSP said.

CEC crews replaced the pole and restored service by late Tuesday morning. The co-op thanked members for their patience.