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Hit-And-Run Driver Knocked Down Power Pole Causing Power Outages In Canyon Country

CANYON COUNTRY (CBSLA.com) — Some Santa Clarita residents were without power Tuesday night after a hit-and-run driver knocked down a power pole, which caused a transformer explosion.

The crash happened around 11:40 p.m. in a parking lot in the 26700 block of Ruether Avenue, Los Angeles County Sheriff's officials said.

The driver reportedly drove over a power pole support cable, which pulled the pole down onto parked trucks and causing the transformer to explode. A small brush fire was sparked by the explosion.

Many homes and businesses were without power for nearly three hours, officials said.

Santa Clarita City, Caltrans and Southern California Edison crews responded to restore the power, authorities said.

The driver fled the scene and was unable to be apprehended.

Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's deputies are investigating the incident.

No structures were damaged by the fire, officials said.

(©2013 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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