Asheville, July 31, 2025
News Summary
A serious crash on Tunnel Road resulted in road closures and widespread power outages for Asheville residents. Derek Anthony Allen was involved in the accident when his vehicle struck a utility pole, leading to significant traffic rerouting and local frustrations. Authorities have charged Allen with multiple offenses related to the incident. The road was expected to remain closed until noon, but some lanes reopened later in the day. Residents are advised to take alternate routes to avoid further congestion.
Asheville – A crash on Tunnel Road this morning led to the closure of the road and a significant power outage affecting local residents and businesses. The incident occurred at approximately 6 a.m. when a 2023 Ford F-150, driven by 41-year-old Derek Anthony Allen, struck a utility pole, causing it to fall directly across the roadway.
As a result of the accident, Asheville authorities announced that Tunnel Road would be closed until noon as Duke Energy crews were dispatched to repair the downed pole and restore power. By 1 p.m., police confirmed that two eastbound lanes and one westbound lane on Tunnel Road had reopened. The closure impacted a section of the road near Huntington Road, in close proximity to Bell Elementary School.
In addition to the road closure, the crash led to a power outage that affected multiple nearby addresses. Duke Energy’s crews worked diligently to resolve the situation, but the incident caused considerable disruption in the area. Traffic was rerouted onto Swannanoa River Road due to the closure, and local law enforcement advised residents to avoid the affected area and use alternate routes.
Authorities have charged Derek Anthony Allen with several offenses related to the crash, which include:
- Driving without an operator’s license
- Hit-and-run/leaving the scene
- Expired registration
- Driving without insurance
- Additional charges may be forthcoming
The incident has raised concerns about increased traffic congestion on alternate routes. Local residents have voiced their frustrations regarding traffic backups caused by previous similar incidents, notably following closures on I-40. The current route alterations may prompt travelers to rethink their journeys, with many considering avoiding I-26 in favor of less congested roadway options, such as Merrimon Avenue.
The Asheville Police Department, alongside the North Carolina Department of Transportation, responded swiftly to the crash to manage the situation. There remains ongoing concern about the cumulative effects of traffic disruptions, particularly in light of past disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene and other road closures.
Authorities continue to monitor the effects of this incident and will provide updates regarding the ongoing traffic situation and any additional developments regarding the charges against Allen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the road closure on Tunnel Road?
A crash involving a pickup truck that struck a utility pole caused the closure of Tunnel Road.
What time did the incident occur?
The crash occurred around 6 a.m. on Friday morning.
Who was involved in the crash?
The driver of the vehicle was 41-year-old Derek Anthony Allen.
How long was Tunnel Road closed?
The road closure was expected to last until noon, but two eastbound lanes and one westbound lane were reopened by 1 p.m.
Were there any charges filed?
Yes, Derek Anthony Allen has been charged with multiple offenses, including driving without a license and hit-and-run.
What alternate routes should residents take?
Residents are advised to avoid Tunnel Road and use routes such as Swannanoa River Road or Merrimon Avenue to navigate around the area.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Friday Morning |
| Location | Tunnel Road, near Huntington Road |
| Vehicle Involved | 2023 Ford F-150 |
| Driver | Derek Anthony Allen (41) |
| Charges | Driving without license, hit-and-run, expired registration, driving without insurance |
| Power Outage Impacted | Nearby residents and businesses |
| Alternate Routes | Swannanoa River Road, Merrimon Avenue |
| Reopening Time | 1 p.m. (two eastbound lanes and one westbound lane) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Asheville Incident Causes Road Closure and Power Outage
Asheville Tragedy: Fatal Collision and Firefighter Loss
Asheville Firefighters Heroically Rescue Man from Sinking Car
Asheville Recovers: A Community’s Resilience Post-Hurricane Helene
Asheville Reopens Swannanoa River Road After Hurricane Helene
Additional Resources
- WLOS: Crash Closes Tunnel Road in Asheville
- WYFF: Emergency Road Closure in Asheville
- 828 News Now: Traffic Alert – Crash Closes Tunnel Road
- WLOS: Pavement Failure on Interstate 26
- 828 News Now: I-40 Lane Closure in Asheville
- Wikipedia: Asheville, North Carolina
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