Two utility poles collapsed on La Paz’s scenic coastal highway Wednesday night after an abandoned vehicle apparently struck one of them, sending loose power lines and a tilted transformer across the roadway near the Palmira tourist corridor.
Police, emergency crews, and the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) responded to the scene at Palmira’s Terraplén de Los Cocos. A 1998 black Toyota 4Runner with front-end damage was found abandoned at the site. Transit investigators took custody of the vehicle.
Chain Reaction Knocked Down Two Poles
Investigators believe the 4Runner struck the first pole, triggering a chain reaction that toppled a second pole roughly 50 meters away. The collapse left power cables hanging low over the road and caused a transformer to tilt at a dangerous angle, creating hazards for both drivers and pedestrians.
Authorities placed traffic control tape around the danger zone while CFE crews worked overnight to repair the damage. The driver of the 4Runner had not been located as of the initial report.
Key Tourist Corridor Affected
The affected stretch of road runs through one of La Paz’s most-traveled areas. The Palmira corridor connects downtown La Paz with several hotels, the CostaBaja marina, and a string of waterfront restaurants along the coast. Residents and visitors heading to or from the malecón frequently use this route.
Motorists traveling the scenic highway late Wednesday or early Thursday likely encountered delays or detours. Overnight CFE repair work may have also caused temporary power outages for nearby businesses and homes in the Palmira area.
What Drivers Should Know
Authorities urge anyone who encounters downed power lines to stay at least 10 meters away and contact emergency services immediately. Loose cables can remain energized even when they appear inactive. Do not attempt to move debris or cables from a collapsed pole.
CFE has not released an official timeline for when full service and road access were restored. Anyone with information about the driver of the 4Runner can contact La Paz transit police.
This story was first reported by Colectivo Pericú.