A tractor-trailer with a blown axle turned into an unexpected headache for a big slice of South San Jose today, after the unstable rig threatened to roll near South First Street and East Alma Avenue and potentially slam into a nearby power pole. With the truck at risk of tipping, utility crews moved in to de-energize power lines on the block as a precaution, a move officials said would leave thousands of customers in the dark while the vehicle was secured.
SJFD On Scene
According to the San José Fire Department, the damaged axle left the big rig unstable and at real risk of rolling over, putting the nearby utility pole squarely in the danger zone. Firefighters coordinated with police and utility technicians to secure the scene and develop a game plan while the truck was stabilized. Officials urged people to stay away from the area until crews gave the all-clear.
1/2 #SJFD is on scene of a semi with a damaged axle that is at risk of rolling over in the area of S 1st St & E Alma Ave. Semi could damage power pole nearby. PG&E to shut down power lines at risk, affecting 7-8k people. Power expected to be down for 3 hrs minimum.
— San José Fire Dept. (@SJFD) May 21, 2026
TOC: 9:25am pic.twitter.com/xoKh0ij9qG
PG&E De-energizes Lines; Thousands Affected
PG&E shut off power in the affected block as a safety measure. NBC Bay Area reports the precautionary outage was expected to hit roughly 7,000 to 8,000 customers and could keep the lights off for at least three hours. Nearby homes and businesses were swept up in the shutdown while crews checked the condition of the power pole and monitored the truck’s position. Police and the city’s Department of Transportation handled traffic control and detours, according to the outlet.
Outage Context And What Residents Should Do
The shutdown landed during a week when weather-related and preemptive power cuts have already disrupted service for thousands across the Bay Area, according to the San Francisco Chronicle reporting. Residents in the impacted area are advised to monitor PG&E for outage and restoration estimates and to follow local traffic advisories until the street fully reopens. City officials said they will share updates as crews finish stabilizing the truck and inspecting the electrical equipment.
