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Maranhão power outages hit over 101,000 customers after 432 pole collisions
In the first half of 2026, 432 vehicle collisions with electric utility poles were recorded across the Brazilian state of Maranhão, according to Equatorial Maranhão. The number marks a decrease from the 645 incidents reported for the same period in 2025, but remains high enough to disrupt electricity service for many residents and businesses.
São Luís accounted for the most collisions, with 109 incidents that affected 101,838 consumer units. Other municipalities with notable counts include São Domingos do Maranhão (14), São José de Ribamar (13) and Balsas (12). The utility cites excess speed, driver distraction from mobile phones, intoxication and disregard for traffic signs as the primary causes.
Replacing damaged poles costs between R$ 3,000 and R$ 44,000, depending on the structure and equipment involved. When the responsible driver is identified, Equatorial Maranhão seeks reimbursement for the losses. The company maintains on‑call teams throughout the state to rapidly repair damage and restore power to essential services such as hospitals, schools and commerce.
Entities
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] São Luís recorded the highest number of pole collisions, with 109 incidents in the first half of 2026. portaloinformante.com.br · recordnewsma.com · oimparcial.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] 432 vehicle collisions with electric utility poles were recorded in Maranhão between January and June 2026. portaloinformante.com.br · recordnewsma.com · oimparcial.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] Collisions in São Luís impacted 101,838 consumer units. portaloinformante.com.br · recordnewsma.com · oimparcial.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A total of 1,548 pole‑related accidents were recorded in Maranhão in 2025. portaloinformante.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] The 432 collisions in early 2026 represent a reduction from 645 collisions recorded in the same period of 2025. portaloinformante.com.br · recordnewsma.com · oimparcial.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] Primary causes of the collisions are excess speed, driver distraction from mobile phones, intoxication and failure to heed traffic signs. portaloinformante.com.br · recordnewsma.com · oimparcial.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] The cost to replace a damaged pole ranges from R$ 3,000 to R$ 44,000. portaloinformante.com.br · recordnewsma.com · oimparcial.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] Equatorial Maranhão maintains on‑call teams across the state to respond quickly to pole collisions and restore power. portaloinformante.com.br · recordnewsma.com · oimparcial.com.br