Driver loses control, hits gas meter in alley

A driver on Friday apparently lost control of his pickup in a muddy alley and struck a utility pole and gas meter behind a home in Modesto's airport neighborhood. No serious injuries were reported.

The crash occurred about 11:40 a.m. in the alley behind the 600 block of Kerr Avenue, between Oregon Drive and Larkin Avenue.

The pickup driver was heading south in the alley when he veered to the right, hitting the utility pole and the gas meter, according to the Modesto Regional Fire Authority. The driver, who lives nearby, stopped and cooperated with authorities.

Residents smelled leaking natural gas, but a gas valve was quickly shut off, fire officials said.

The crash knocked out power to a few nearby homes, but crews quickly restored power.