Vehicle Crashes Into Hydro Pole, Sparks Fire Near Rogers Centre
A single-vehicle collision knocked down a power pole and triggered a small fire on Lake Shore Boulevard West Thursday morning.
A dramatic collision near Rogers Centre left westbound Lake Shore Boulevard West closed Thursday as crews worked to clear debris and repair critical infrastructure.
Around 9:25 a.m., a vehicle struck a guardrail before slamming into a hydro pole on Lake Shore Boulevard West near Rees Street, immediately knocking the pole down and triggering a small fire. The male driver was transported to hospital in stable condition by Toronto paramedics.
The impact brought down live wires and created a hazardous scene that required immediate attention from fire crews and Hydro One workers. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames while police secured the area to prevent injury from exposed electrical equipment. The downed pole left debris scattered across the roadway, forcing authorities to close westbound traffic for cleanup and repairs.
As of late morning, police had not provided an estimated reopening time, though motorists were warned to expect significant delays in the area. Investigators are still working to determine what caused the driver to lose control. The incident highlights the ongoing risks on one of downtown's busiest waterfront routes, especially during peak commute hours.