Up to eight electric poles toppled after a truck hit one of them along the national highway in Barangay Tinoto, Maasim, Sarangani evening on Thursday, August 28, 2025, causing widespread power outage and leaving motorists stranded.

Based on investigation, the elf truck carrying scrap metal hit an electric pole past 11 p.m. after the vehicle allegedly lost its brakes while the driver was navigating an uphill portion of Sitio Asnalang.

The crash caused a chain reaction that toppled several other poles and blocked the road.

“Pagdating doon sa mataas na portion sa Sitio Asnalang, nawalan ng brake, nag-atras siya. Pag-atras niya, nabangga niya ang poste. Poste ng 69KV, nagkaroon ng chain effect, natumba yung walong poste,” Maasim Municipal Police Station Chief, Major Edgar Vanzuela, said.

The incident also caused power interruption affecting several barangays in Sarangani and General Santos City.

The 45-year-old driver was unharmed and was taken into police custody.

Personnel of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and South Cotabato Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO) immediately conducted clearing and repair operations.

Power was restored in some areas affected after a few hours.

Police also assisted in managing the traffic after several motorists were stranded.

The road affected became passable past 12 noon on Friday, August 29. Authorities are still assessing the total cost of the damage.