Car hits power pole, electricity out in Onehunga

A car has crashed into a power pole in the Auckland suburb of Onehunga, causing a power outage in surrounding streets.

The crash happened on Onehunga Mall close to Neilson St just before 1.30am.

Part of Onehunga has been left without power after a car crashed into a power pole. Image / Vector

The power pole was left lying across the road. Police closed a section of the road as well as Onehunga Harbour Rd which gives access to the motorway.

Police this morning said the driver had been taken to Auckland City Hospital in a moderate condition. Police would be making enquiries into the circumstances of the crash.

Earlier Onehunga Fire Station senior officer Ali Rodger told a Herald photographer at the scene that the crew was awaiting Vector to isolate the power to the pole completely before rescuing the driver of the car.

“Once this is done, we can access the casualty and remove them from the vehicle. It’s a precautionary measure at this stage for him to stay in the vehicle due to live power lines.“

The car's driver remained in the vehicle while Vector worked to isolate the power. Photo / Hayden Woodward

There was no risk to the public as police had closed the road, and St John was attending to help with any injuries.

Vector’s website says electricity is expected to be restored to all houses around 11am-12pm today.

“If we’re able to re-route electricity from another direction, then we may be able to restore some properties before the estimated restoration time.”

Onehunga has already been dealing with an internet outage this week due to vandals damaging broadband cables. Chorus had said the cables were expected to be restored by today.

Fire, St John and police all attended the scene on Onehunga Mall Rd. Photo / Hayden Woodward