Truck Collision Cut Power in Amarillo

A vehicle strike on a utility pole left nine customers without electricity after an initial outage.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Utilities

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A truck hit a utility pole near Highway 136 and Loop 335 in Amarillo, Texas, causing a fire and an initial power outage for 67 customers. While service has been restored to the majority of those affected, repairs continue for the remaining customers.

Why it matters

Utility infrastructure remains vulnerable to vehicle collisions, which can cause localized power disruptions and safety hazards such as fires. Rapid response teams are necessary to stabilize the grid and manage the restoration process following such accidents.

An initial outage affected 67 customers, with power restored to 58 as of 4 p.m. Thursday. Nine customers remain without electricity until specialized repairs to the pole are completed.

The players

Xcel Energy

This major utility company provides electricity and natural gas service to millions of customers across several U.S. states.

The details

The collision, which occurred at the intersection of Highway 136 and Loop 335, resulted in a fire at the scene. Xcel Energy crews were dispatched to the site to manage repairs and restore electrical service to the affected area.

October 8, 2026, 4 p.m.: Service was restored to 58 customers.

Market Landscape

This incident follows a pattern established by the Edison Electric Institute's reporting on grid-damaging vehicle incidents, which frequently cause localized service disruptions. Such events represent ongoing operational challenges for utility providers maintaining infrastructure near busy traffic corridors.

Residents near Highway 136 and Loop 335 should be aware that power restoration efforts are still underway for the remaining nine households. Affected customers should monitor Xcel Energy updates to determine when their electrical service will be fully stabilized.

The takeaway

Vehicle-related damage to utility infrastructure can cause significant localized disruptions that require time-intensive repairs. Residents should always maintain a safe distance from damaged poles and downed lines while utility crews work to resolve outages.