Despite sparking quite a scene, no one was injured in an accident involving live power lines in Vernon Thursday.
A moving van accidentally hooked onto a low- lying line while driving into a business parking lot in the 4400 block of 29th Street, pulling the transformer pole down across the road.
“It appears work crews were in the process of changing over a pole in the area therefore the lines were likely not as high as they normally are,” said Gord Molendyk, RCMP spokesperson.
“The overhead line caught the cab which pulled the pole and transformer down.”
With live wires strewn across the van, the two occupants were caught inside while crews worked to disconnect power.
A Vernon woman was also trapped inside her car.
No one was injured, but the occupants of the two vehicles were asked to stay inside their vehicles as a precautionary move.
“The problem can happen when you go to step from your vehicle to the ground,” explains Molendyk, as it is safest to stay inside your vehicle.
“You’re protected because you have rubber tires.”
Power was also knocked out to 2,025 customers in the area, including homes and businesses, as well as some traffic lights, but was quickly restored for the majority within 45 minutes.
There were 19 customers who were left without power until 4 a.m. Friday as B.C. Hydro crews worked through the night to replace the damaged transformer.
