Classes canceled at Robinson Elementary in Fresno after car crash causes power outage

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Students from one Fresno Unified school were asked to stay home on Monday after a car crash knocked out power to the campus.

Classes at Robinson Elementary School were canceled after a car crashed into an electrical transformer, leaving the school without power.

District officials say the 2:30 am crash also caused a spill of a possibly toxic substance.

PG&E crews responded to assess the damage of the situation.

"So It needs to be replaced and so that's what's taking place right now, it will take a few hours in order to get that transformer replaced and get everybody back online," said Jeff Smith, a PG&E spokesperson.

Smith says it also caused an outage to nearby homes but crews were able to reroute their power, adding this is not something they see everyday.

"Inside what was hit, the transformer is actually inside a protective box, part of that is actually to help prevent something like this, even if somebody runs into it, there's not immediate damage, but if the impact is so severe, which it was in this case, it can cause damage on the inside of that box which is the transformer itself," said Smith.

Fresno police say the driver left the scene and they have not yet been able to contact the registered owner.

That vehicle was later towed away, leaving a great deal of damage behind.

The Fresno Police Department is investigating the hit-and-run crime.

School is expected to resume on Tuesday.

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