Asheville, N.C., July 26, 2025
News Summary
A crash involving a Ford F-150 and a utility pole closed Tunnel Road in Asheville, causing power outages and affecting local businesses. The driver, Derek Anthony Allen, faced multiple charges, and authorities remained vigilant due to rising safety concerns in the area following recent incidents. Recovery efforts included reopening lanes to alleviate traffic.
Asheville Incident Causes Road Closure and Power Outage
Tunnel Road in Asheville, N.C. was closed on Friday morning due to a crash involving a vehicle and a utility pole. The incident took place around 6 a.m., leading to significant disruption in the area as power lines fell onto the road, impacting local residents and businesses.
According to police, the driver of the vehicle, identified as 41-year-old Derek Anthony Allen, was operating a 2023 Ford F-150 when he struck the power pole. Duke Energy crews were dispatched to manage the resulting power outages and to repair the downed utility pole. The authorities reported that the road would remain closed until approximately noon. By 1 p.m., crews had reopened two eastbound lanes and one westbound lane, alleviating some of the traffic issues.
Following the crash, authorities charged Allen with multiple offenses, including:
- Driving without an operator’s license
- Hit-and-run/leaving the scene
- Expired registration
- No insurance
Police indicated that further charges against Allen may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
This crash occurs amidst a backdrop of heightened concern over public safety due to recent incidents of gun violence in Asheville, prompting local officials to call for increased vigilance among community members.
Recent Cycling Tragedy Heightens Safety Concerns
In a separate but related incident, on July 1, two cyclists were fatally struck by a dump truck in Madison County while participating in a group ride. The victims, Jacob Hill, 32, and Leonard Antonelli, 27, were riding along NC-251 when the accident occurred. Another cyclist in the group sustained minor injuries but has not been publicly identified. This area is known for its cycling routes, particularly the “Tuesday Night Worlds” ride, which is popular among local cyclists.
Local cycling advocates emphasize the importance of road safety and raising awareness for all motorists regarding cyclists. Following these incidents, advocacy for safer road conditions has intensified, with calls to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
Community Response to Safety Concerns
Asheville officials are urging local residents to remain alert while navigating the roads due to these disturbing trends of road-related accidents. The fatal incidents have sparked conversations about improving infrastructure and education for both drivers and cyclists to ensure everyone’s safety on the roads.
Authorities are continuously working on initiatives to promote road safety and hope to mitigate further incidents as the community rallies for change.
FAQs
What caused the road closure on Tunnel Road in Asheville?
The road closure was caused by a crash involving a Ford F-150 that struck a utility pole, resulting in power outages and debris on the roadway.
What charges were filed against Derek Anthony Allen?
Derek Anthony Allen was charged with driving without an operator’s license, hit-and-run/leaving the scene, expired registration, and no insurance.
What are the recent concerns regarding cyclist safety in Asheville?
Recent fatal incidents involving cyclists have raised concerns about road safety. This has prompted officials and advocates to emphasize the importance of awareness among all road users.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Tunnel Road Crash |
| Time | 6 a.m. Friday |
| Location | Tunnel Road, Asheville, N.C. |
| Driver | Derek Anthony Allen, 41 |
| Charges | Driving without a license, hit-and-run, expired registration, no insurance |
| Impact | Power outage and road closure |
| Resolution Time | Two lanes reopened by 1 p.m. |
| Related Incident | Cyclist deaths on July 1 |
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville Incident Causes Road Closure and Power Outage
- WLOS: Recent Cycling Tragedy Heightens Safety Concerns
- WLOS: Fatal Car Crash on Interstate 40
- Google Search: Asheville road safety
- WLOS: Cyclists Die in Crash Involving Dump Truck
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
