A wooden utility pole snapped at its base on Calle Cañón de la Mina in Colonia Tejamen, leaving live electrical cables sparking on wet pavement in one of Tijuana’s southern neighborhoods. Residents reported the downed pole to CFE (the Federal Electricity Commission) on Sunday night, April 27, but as of Monday morning no repair crew had arrived.
Photos from the scene show the broken pole leaning against a nearby rooftop. Low-hanging and ground-level wires remain exposed with no barriers, cones, or warning signs around the hazard. The neighborhood sits within Tijuana’s San Antonio de los Buenos delegation, a hillside area south of Playas de Tijuana along the coast road toward Rosarito.
Rain Increases Electrocution Risk
Recent rain has left the pavement soaked, which increases the danger. Water conducts electricity, and when a live wire touches wet ground, the current can fan out across the surface. Electrical safety experts warn that people should stay at least 35 feet away from any downed power line, even if it appears inactive. A line that is not sparking can still carry lethal voltage.
Pedestrians and drivers on Calle Cañón de la Mina face a direct risk until CFE secures the site. Neighbors have called on municipal authorities to pressure the utility into a faster response.
CFE’s Slow Response Is a Recurring Problem
Delayed repairs by CFE are not new in Tijuana. In August 2024, three wooden poles collapsed in the Dorado and Coronado sections of Playas de Tijuana, knocking out power to dozens of families. CFE offered no public explanation of the cause or a repair timeline in that incident, drawing sharp criticism from residents and city council members. Council member Gina Arana proposed a collaboration agreement between CFE and private utility companies to remove outdated poles and wiring across the city.
Tijuana’s aging electrical infrastructure, particularly in hillside colonias built on uneven terrain, remains vulnerable to weather damage and general deterioration. Wooden poles in these areas often carry loads well beyond their original design, with telecom and cable companies adding lines over the years.
What to Do If You Encounter Downed Wires
Anyone who encounters downed power lines should not attempt to move them or touch any nearby metal objects, fences, or puddles. If you are in a vehicle near a downed line, stay inside until emergency crews arrive. To report an electrical emergency to CFE anywhere in Mexico, call the 24-hour line at 071.
This story was first reported by Punto Norte.