Ergon issues safety warning after live wires fall across Hartley Street, Portsmith

Ergon has issued an urgent safety warning to Portsmith residents after live wires fell across a busy industrial road.

Ergon has issued an urgent safety warning to Portsmith residents, urging them to take care on the road after live wires fell across Hartley Street on Tuesday afternoon. Picture: Brendan Radke

Ergon has issued an urgent safety warning to Portsmith residents, urging them to take care on the road after transmission wires fell across Hartley Street on Tuesday afternoon.

Ergon spokeswoman Emma Oliveri confirmed crews were on scene to make the area safe, however motorists were urged to avoid the area.

“There are wires down at Hartley Street, but no associated power outage. Ergon crews are making the area safe and people should avoid the site for the next couple of hours if possible,” Ms Oliveri said.

“If you see fallen powerlines you should always stay at least 10 metres away, warn others and call Ergon on 13 16 70.”

It follows a separate, unrelated incident earlier on Tuesday afternoon where just over 400 customers were affected by an unexpected power outage after a car hit a pole on Buchan Street.

“This unplanned outage was caused by a vehicle accident damaging the electricity network in Buchan Street. 463 customers at Portsmith and Bungalow lost power at 10.50am and crews have safely restored power to all customers in the immediate vicinity of the damage,” she said.

“If you are ever involved a vehicle accident that brings down powerlines, you should stay in the vehicle, call triple-0 and wait for help.”

Originally published as Ergon issues safety warning after live wires fall across Hartley Street, Portsmith