About 900 homes and businesses were without power for several hours Wednesday evening in Newmarket due to a downed hydro pole.
York Regional Police, York Region Paramedic Services, Central York Fire Services, and NT Power were on the scene of the downed pole affecting Yonge Street between Kingston Road and Bonshaw Avenue, with lane closures in effect.
“Right now there’s wires on the road and those wires could be live,” said Blaine Osmond, communications co-ordinator for NT Power. “Until crews have been able to assess the situation and shut off the power, you always have to assume the wires are live.”
As of about an hour ago, all lanes on southbound Yonge were re-opened, while only one northbound lane has re-opened, police said.
Damion Palmer, who lives on nearby Cardinal Crescent, said he was studying for a test when he noticed the power out in his house at about 5:30 p.m.
“I was at home with my aunt,” said Palmer. “My neighbours were in their garage playing video games and I heard them make an exclamation.”
He said they came outside and said they never lost power in the area. He is concerned about his food going bad in the fridge and not being able to cook.
“I wanted to make some toast but I had to keep reminding myself that we have no power,” said Palmer. “Our stove is electric and I can’t use that either. It is really inconvenient.”
Police advised drivers to find an alternative route and avoid the area. NT Power was made aware of the incident at 5:45 p.m. and crews responded at 6:20 p.m.
“Anytime there are down power lines there is always a danger if you get too close,” said Osmond. “You need space for emergency vehicles to work and access. We always recommend people stay away for safety reasons and for the crews on site.”
Traffic lights were out on Yonge Street, while local establishments such as McDonald’s, Jack Astor’s, Mark’s, and Ren’s Pets closed their doors to customers. Thomas O’Sullivan, a team lead at Ren’s Pets, noticed power out at about 5:10 p.m.
“A customer came in and said they saw the pole fall over there and a whole bunch of sparks from the wires before the power went out,” said O’Sullivan. “It has been out ever since.”
He was shocked, wondering what would have caused the pole to go down. He spoke with employees at Tip Top Tailors and Staples and said they also wondered what happened and how long the power would be out.
Ren’s Pets usually closes at 9 p.m. O’Sullivan and his colleagues waited an hour to see if power would return until he sent workers home, notifying head office the store would close early.
Osmond said the rain from earlier in the day can pose another hazard if mixed with electricity.
“It makes it even more dangerous when water is on the road because electricity can travel through the roads,” said Osmond.
