Power cut as car hits pole

Power to nearly 150 properties was knocked out after a car collided with a electricity pole and ended up on its roof in a two-car crash in Telford. Both drivers were taken to hospital.The driver of the blue Mazda estate was forced to crawl out of the vehicle after it ended up in a ditch off the A5 in Redhill yesterday, at about 6.50pm yesterday.

Firefighters said today the motorist was lucky the power lines brought down in the accident had not touched the metal work of the car. A silver BMW convertible was also involved in the collision.

The male Mazda driver was taken to hospital for treatment and the male driver of the other car was taken to hospital by a friend.

Sub-officer Alan Wilson, of Telford Central fire station, said he believed the two vehicles had been overtaking a slower moving minibus when the accident happened.

“The Mazda was in a ditch near the dropped power lines. He was very lucky the cables didn’t drop onto the metal as the cables were live.

“I think what happened was they were overtaking a white Sherpa minibus. What they probably didn’t anticipate was there was a 125cc motorbike in front, travelling about 40mph to 45mph.”

The accident left the road closed for about 45 minutes. Central Networks said 146 properties were affected with power restored to 140 by 7.40pm and the remaining homes by 11.30pm.

Anyone with information about the collision is asked to call Telford police on 08457 444888.