Schenectady, New York Car Crash on Route 7 Disrupts Power, Damages Pole Near Bellevue Woman’s Center

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — A car crash on Route 7 in Niskayuna on Monday caused widespread power outages after a vehicle struck a telephone pole near the Bellevue Woman’s Center. The collision severed the pole and brought down a primary power line, leaving the hospital and surrounding homes temporarily without electricity.

Authorities reported that the crash occurred during mid-morning hours when traffic was moderate along the busy stretch of Route 7. Emergency responders were quickly dispatched to the scene to assess the situation and secure the area. The vehicle involved sustained significant damage, while no serious injuries were reported.

The impact of the collision caused the primary power line to snap, leaving residents and businesses in the vicinity without electricity. Hospital staff at Bellevue Woman’s Center had to rely on backup generators to maintain essential operations and ensure patient safety during the outage.

Utility crews were dispatched promptly to repair the damaged pole and restore electricity. Crews worked carefully to reconnect power while coordinating with police to keep traffic flowing safely around the affected area. Local residents were advised to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel near the crash site.

Witnesses described seeing the vehicle collide with the pole at a significant speed, causing sparks and debris to scatter across the roadway. Several motorists stopped to assist while waiting for emergency personnel to arrive, ensuring the scene was secure for responders.

Police officers closed part of Route 7 temporarily to allow utility workers and first responders to work safely. Traffic was redirected, causing minor delays, but authorities said the closure was necessary to prevent further incidents and maintain public safety during the restoration process.

Community members expressed concern over the outage, particularly for those relying on electricity for medical devices or essential services. Local officials encouraged residents to remain calm and patient as utility crews worked diligently to restore full service.

The Bellevue Woman’s Center reported that all critical medical services continued without interruption, thanks to emergency power systems. Hospital administrators thanked both first responders and utility workers for their rapid response in preventing any medical emergencies during the outage.

Once power was restored, crews inspected the area to ensure that all lines and poles were secure. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, including factors such as vehicle speed, road conditions, and potential driver error, to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The crash served as a reminder for drivers to exercise caution along busy routes and near utility infrastructure. Community members praised the swift response of emergency personnel and utility crews, noting that their coordinated efforts minimized disruption and ensured the safety of residents and patients in the affected area.