Brownwood emergency responders were sent scrambling Wednesday afternoon as a vehicle struck a utility pole and a gas meter which ignited the gas spewing from the broken meter.

The accident occurred in the 2800 block of Avenue K at approximately 2:35 p.m.  According to police, the driver stated that he lost control of the vehicle when the steering column of his GMC Suburban malfunctioned.  The vehicle struck the gas meter, breaking the line and igniting the natural gas.  The telephone pole was broken in half and fell to the roadway, which caused several homes in the area to be temporarily out of power.

Brownwood Fire Chief Del Albright stated that the gas line would have to be dug up a distance from the meter and clamped off by Atmos Energy crews in order to let the fuel in the line burn out.  Power to the pole was also terminated by Oncor.  Only after the fire was burned out, could the vehicle be removed from the front yard of the home, according to emergency responders.

It is estimated that power will be restored by approximately 10:00 p.m. according officials.

There were no injuries reported and the driver of the vehicle was able to walk away from the accident scene.

Brownwood Fire Department, Brownwood Police, EMS, Oncor crews, and Atmos crews responded to the scene of the accident.

Pictured above and below are photos of the accident scene.

The accident scene viewed from 14th Street and Avenue K.

Firefighters and Oncor crews make plans for repairs and clean up of the accident scene.

Firefighters take a closer look at the burning gas line.

Oncor disconnects the electric lines at 14th Street and Avenue K which supply power to the accident location.

Front view of of the damaged vehicle.