Driver hits high-voltage power switch station Sunday in Watertown

Feb 24, 2025

An early morning Sunday fire alarm and high-voltage collision caused Watertown firefighters and the Watertown Police Department to tackle two incidents at once.

Shortly after 3 a.m., Feb. 16, the Watertown Fire Rescue and Watertown Police Department were dispatched to a fire alarm at Target, according to a release. Battalion 1, Engine 4, Engine 3 and Medic 4 were dispatched in response to the incident. While on their way to the fire, it was discovered that a vehicle had collided with a high voltage switch station, the release stated.

The fire units separated after receiving a report of a car accident. Engine 4 and Medic 4 diverted to the accident scene, while Battalion 1 and Engine 3 continued to investigate the fire alarm.

The car accident occurred near 1121 19th St SE, where it was discovered that one vehicle had collided with a high-voltage power switch station. The impact sheared the power cabinet from its base and stretched the high-voltage lines.

After further investigation, the arriving officer located a crashed 2025Chevrolet Equinox in the 1000 Block of 19th Street Southeast, the release stated. The driver of the Equinox had failed to negotiate the curve on 19th Street Southeast, continued south off the roadway and struck an electrical utility box and a fence, the release stated. This collision had disrupted electrical service in the area, which caused the false fire alarm call at Target, according to the release.

The 22-year-old driver of the car managed to climb out of the vehicle, where a WPD officer assisted her to safety, according to a release. A secure area was established.

Watertown Municipal Utilities was called to disconnect power to the switch station so the vehicle could be searched for any additional victims and be safely removed by a towing company, according to the statement.

The female driver of the Equinox, from Clear Lake, South Dakota was evaluated on scene by Watertown Fire Rescue Paramedics and was uninjured, the release stated. A DUI investigation was conducted on scene, according to the release, and the driver was arrested for an alleged DUI, according to WPD.

The Equinox sustained heavy front-end damage estimated at $10,000 and was towed from the scene, the release stated.

The area affected stretched from 19th Street to 29th Street, south of Highway 212, along 15th Avenue Southeast. Multiple businesses and street lights were observed flashing on and off due to the damaged switch station. Municipal Utilities disconnected the power to the switch station, the vehicle was removed and no other victims were found, according to a release. Watertown Utilities responded to the scene and worked to restore electrical services to the area.

Multiple businesses in the area were without electricity for approximately three hours while these repairs were completed. An estimated value of the repairs is unknown at this time.

If you are ever involved in or come upon a situation where utility boxes, utility poles, power lines or other electrical components have been damaged:~ Do not approach the scene – Keep back a safe distance~ Contact emergency services and utility companies right away.~ Even if a power line or electrical component is not arcing or sparking, it may still be energized.~ If you are inside a vehicle near a damaged power component, stay in the vehicle until directed otherwise by emergency personnel.