Fraser Regional Corrections Centre in Maple Ridge is running on back-up generators after a dump truck ran off 256th Street and struck a power pole, causing a blackout in the area.
The crash occurred at around 7:45 a.m., cutting power to close to 350 B.C. Hydro customers north of Dewdney Trunk Road.
A B.C. Corrections spokesperson confirmed the prison is relying on its back-up generators for electricity. All security systems at FRCC are still in operation and inmates and staff continue to follow the prison’s usual schedule with back-up power.
B.C. Hydro crews are on scene working to restore power. As of noon Friday, the area was still without electricity. A B.C. Hydro originally said power would be back on in the area around 1 p.m., however, they have since revised their estimate to 3 p.m. due to the extensive damage done to the electrical pole, which will have to be replaced.
An RCMP spokesperson said there were no injuries reported as a result of the single-vehicle accident.
Police have blocked off 256th Street between Dewdney Trunk Road and 124th Avenue. Traffic is being re-routed down 248th Street to 130th Avenue.
A commercial vehicle inspector is currently en route to the scene, where they will inspect the truck to determine if a mechanical failure resulted in the crash.
