News

Actions

Squirrel knocks out power for tens of thousands across central San Diego

Posted
and last updated

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - A squirrel is being blamed for a power outage Tuesday that left tens of thousands of San Diegans in the dark.

Approximately 45,000 customers across the central San Diego area were left without power shortly before 12:30 p.m., according to San Diego Gas & Electric and the company's power outage map.

Most customers had their service restored within the hour, with only 1,700 still without power as of 1:40 p.m.

The outage affected the following areas:

  • Old Town/ Mission Hills/ Hillcrest
  • University Heights/ North Park/ Normal Heights
  • Mission Valley/ Kearny Mesa/ Tierrasanta
  • City Heights/ Chollas Creek/ Oak Park
  • Center City/ Balboa Park/ Golden Hills
  • Kensington/ Talmadge/ W State College

SDG&E officials said the squirrel came into contact and disrupted with a transmission line at the company's El Cajon Blvd. substation, leaving thousands in the dark. The condition of the squirrel, however, was not disclosed by company officials.