Red Oak, Iowa — A fallen power pole caused a vehicle accident Wednesday afternoon in Red Oak.
According to Red Oak Police Chief Justin Rhamy, the incident occurred on April 22, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m. at the intersection of 7th Street and Corning Street.
Authorities say a tree branch fell and struck a power line connected to a utility pole owned by MidAmerican Energy at the northeast corner of the intersection. The impact caused the pole to fall into the roadway, blocking traffic.
Shortly after, a 2011 Chrysler Town & Country driven by Penny Marlene Torczon of Red Oak was traveling west on Corning Street and did not see the fallen pole in the roadway. The vehicle drove over the pole, resulting in approximately $2,000 in damage. The vehicle was able to be driven from the scene.
No injuries were reported.
The Red Oak Police Department, Red Oak Fire Department, and MidAmerican Energy responded to the scene and temporarily blocked the roadway while crews worked to clear debris and address the downed power line.
