Suspected DUI crash on Mercer Island causes power outage

MERCER ISLAND, Wash. — A driver was taken to Harborview after she struck a power pole on Mercer Island and then crashed 65 feet down a ravine.

Mercer Island police said officers were driving in the 5400 block of East Mercer Way at about 3:30 a.m. Friday when they heard and felt a large explosion.  At the same time, a large portion of the Island lost power.

The officers found downed power lines and a power pole that had been sheared off at the base.

They contacted Puget Sound Energy workers who were in the area for another issue and asked them to check the downed lines to ensure it was safe for them to investigate.

Once it was safe, police found a car about 65 feet down a ravine that had sheered off the power pole.

Officers reached the car and found a 41-year-old Seattle woman with what appeared to be minor injuries trapped in the car.

After working for two hours, firefighters were able to free the woman from the car and take her out of the ravine.  Police said the woman is believed to have been driving under the influence.

PSE estimates the power outage caused by the crash will be repaired by 10 a.m.

Cox Media Group