Homes blacked out by road accident

A WOMAN passenger was taken to hospital with a head injury after a transit van was in collision with a telegraph pole at Pyles Thorne Close, Wellington. The accident happened just off the corner of the Close near two shops at about 9.30am last Wednesday and homes in the area were without electricity for much of the day. One resident, who did not wished to be named, said: “I was at the back of the house and heard a bang – but I did not realise what had happened straight away. “The pole was at an angle and damaged a fence. Western Power and the emergency services were on the scene almost immediately. They were all very good. I’m afraid some drivers drive far too quickly around the bend. They need to slow down.” The road was closed for much of the day while the pole was replaced. Sparks were coming from the pole after it was hit. A crew from Wellington Fire Brigade, police and an ambulance all attended the scene. The incident was ‘made safe’ by Western Power and the road was reopened late in the day. The driver of the vehicle was unhurt but the woman passenger is believed to have received a cut to her head.