By Kyra Gillespie
Part of Pakenham’s CBD has been sectioned off following a powerline malfunction on the corner of John Street at James Street.
Emergency services attended the incident, described as an “explosion” by witnesses, just before 10am on Monday 22 October.
“I was in my office upstairs, looking out the window when the powerline went off with a bang,” OBrien Real Estate Director Rod Capuano said.
“After the bang we saw a huge puff of smoke and cables hanging down. It was loud enough that you could hear it through the windows.
“The power came on for a moment, dimmed and then it looks like something else let go further up. It looks like the top cables broke and got burnt in half, hanging down below the lower ones.
“There were people walking underneath at the time and those lines have 20-30,000 volts running through them.”
A CFA spokesperson said three vehicles responded to the incident, which was under control by 9.57am.
They have now handed the scene back to AusNet Services.
Around 55 customers continue to be affected and power is not estimated to be restored until midnight tonight, according to an AusNet spokesperson.
“The line has broken mid-span which makes it difficult to repair,” the spokesperson said.
“We have to restrict the area bundle cable and re-string that part of the line.
“The power could be out until midnight tonight if not sooner. They’re working on it as we speak.
“AusNet would like to thank customers for their patience and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
