A single-vehicle accident Wednesday caused a power outage in Rexburg.

At the scene, police lights flashed, stoplights were out and cars lined the road.

A white pickup headed southbound on 2nd East in Rexburg crossed over into northbound traffic and collided with a telephone pole. The accident totaled the vehicle and bent one of the main power poles along the road in half.

“It was a 41-year-old male from Idaho Falls. He is in serious condition and was transported to Madison Hospital. We are still investigating the cause of the accident,” said Captain Randy Lewis of the Madison Police Department.

The accident happened Wednesday, Jan. 5, at 12:29 p.m. Anywhere from half an hour to two hours following the accident power was out along Center Street and along 2nd East past St. Anthony.

Cars swarmed the area searching for a route around the blocked-off area. Businesses were closed while traffic lined the road. However, at Madison Memorial Hospital and Albertson’s the power outage was barely noticed.

The entire hospital lost power, which a back-up generator instantly restored.

“Everything goes on as usual,” said Sharon Pirente, public relations director at Madison Memorial Hospital. An hour after the accident, the hospital was still running on generator power.

In case of emergencies, the hospital is part of the Local Emergency Planning Committee. LEPC provides generators and will bring emergency generators whenever needed.

“When there’s an emergency like this, we tie into all kinds of resources,” Pirente said.

Albertson’s covered meat with ice and left doors open hoping to keep the store cool.

“We can still perform all the basic necessities of the business,” said Ben Black, an employee.

Kevin Stevens, store manager, hoped to get the temperature in the store down to 48 degrees. Regular temperature checks were made.

Other businesses were not as fortunate.

Wal-Mart stores do not have back-up generators. Whenever there is a power outage, they are required to shut the store down.

“We go around with flashlights directing customers to the front of the store,” said Eric Cavener, store manager.

The Rexburg Wal-Mart is an older building and is pitch black without power. Newer stores have sky lights for customer safety.

“We evacuate the customers so no one gets hurt,” Cavener said.

After two and a half hours power was restored to Wal-Mart and surrounding areas.

The victim of the accident is still recovering at Madison Memorial Hospital.