Tree Collapse Crushes Van, Knocks Out Power in Raleigh

Downed tree blocks Alexander Road, leaves over 100 customers without electricity.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A large tree fell onto a van on Alexander Road in Raleigh, North Carolina on Monday afternoon, causing widespread power outages in the area. Police are urging drivers to find alternative routes as crews work to clear the scene and restore electricity to the over 120 affected customers.

Why it matters

Fallen trees can pose serious public safety risks, especially in urban areas with high traffic and dense power infrastructure. This incident highlights the need for proactive tree maintenance and emergency response planning in Raleigh to mitigate the impact of severe weather events.

The details

According to Raleigh police, the tree collapse occurred near the intersection of Alexander and White Oak Roads, crushing a van that was passing through the area. Duke Energy reported that around 124 customers lost power as a result of the downed tree and power lines.

  • The incident occurred on Monday, February 23, 2026 around 3:35 PM local time.

The players

Raleigh Police Department

The local law enforcement agency responding to the scene and coordinating the emergency response.

Duke Energy

The electric utility company working to restore power to the affected customers in the area.

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What’s next

Raleigh officials are expected to provide an update once the scene is cleared and power is fully restored to the affected area.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of proactive tree maintenance and emergency preparedness in Raleigh to mitigate the risks posed by severe weather events and protect public safety.