Van hits power pole in Pyes Pa Rd causing major outage

The van hit a power pole in Pyes Pa causing a power outage. Photo / Amelie Inglis

Police and emergency services are at the scene of a single-vehicle crash on Pyes Pa Rd after a van struck a power pole causing it to snap and leaving nearby trees smoking.

A Powerco spokesperson said initally power was cut to 1603 properties at 3.20 pm with supply restored to all but 463 customers within 23 minutes.

The pole was replaced and power restored to the 463 customers just before 8pm.

"Repairs to a transformer also affected by the crash are currently being carried out, with 30 affected customers' power expected to be restored by 11pm.

"Field staff are working as quickly and safely as possible tonight to restore supply after a vehicle collided with a power pole this afternoon," the Powerco spokesperson said.

"Powerco thanks customers for their patience and understanding as the work is completed."

A number of businesses including those in the Pyes Pa Shopping Centre had to close due to the major power outage.

One business owner said she worked from home and could not get out of her garage to get supplies but fortunately she had gas so could at least make herself a drink.

"Powerco maintenance contractors were working solidly all afternoon to fix the problem which took some time because they needed to replace the pole and sort out the wires."

Police were called to the crash scene just before 2.30 pm and there were indications trees were smoking after the power pole snapped.

The crash happened on the stretch of road between Ahuru Place and Inverness Drive, and the occupant who was not injured was out of the vehicle, a spokesman said.

The police spokesman said a second 111 call about 2.34 pm indicated the vehicle struck a retaining wall and a power police which snapped on impact.

The exact circumstances of the crash were still being investigated and Powerco was responding to the incident, he said.

According to the Powerco website, power was cut around 3.21 pm and was expected to be restored at 5.30 pm, but one resident said their power was restored about 7.50 pm.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand staff are helping with traffic management.