Vehicle Strikes Utility Pole In Collinsville, Causing An Afternoon Power Outage On Thursday, March 19, 2026

COLLINSVILLE — A truck struck a utility pole just outside an Ameren Illinois substation in Collinsville on Thursday afternoon, March 19, 2026, knocking out power to about 700 customers, according to Ameren Illinois.

The Collinsville Police Department said the crash happened around 3:45 p.m. on Thursday. Ameren Illinois dispatched crews to assess the damage and secure the area, an Ameren spokesman said.

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The Ameren Illinois spokesman said two power poles were broken and needed to be replaced.

Ameren Illinois restored about 600 customers after crews re-routed them to other power sources, the spokesman said. Before setting two new poles, an 811 call was made to locate underground utilities in the area.

Crews worked through the night and restored the remaining 100 customers by 5 a.m. Friday, March 20, 2026, the spokesman said.

As a safety reminder, Ameren asked customers to call 1-800-755-5000 to report downed power lines and to stay at least 50 feet away, keep others back, and call 911 or Ameren immediately. Ameren also said customers should assume all downed lines are live, dangerous, and energized, and never drive over, touch or approach downed lines or any object touching them, such as fences or tree limbs.

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