Power is back on after an errant bird darkened east Kennewick

An errant bird left a large section of east Kennewick without power for much of Saturday morning.

Benton PUD reported the bird flew into one of the utility’s substations, knocking out power to 5,329 customers shortly before 8 a.m.

The outage stretched between Columbia Park Trail and 22nd Avenue to the north and south, and between Vancouver Street and Oak Street to the west and east, according to the PUD.

It darkened several traffic lights and trapped people in an elevator on Clover Island. No injuries were reported.

Crews had electricity back to most people by 11 a.m.

Any Benton PUD customer that is still without power should call 1-888-582-2176.

This story was originally published September 7, 2019 at 10:06 AM.