Live power lines drape crashed car

A southbound car leaves the road north of Greytown and collides with a powerpole, bringing down lines across the car. PHOTO/ANDREW BONALLACK

Police pleaded for a crash driver to stay in her vehicle after 11,000 volt cables were left draped across her car roof in the aftermath of a power pole collision.

Wairarapa police officers were first to the crash scene about 7.30am yesterday after a woman in her mid-thirties drove her car off the road south of the Waiohine River bridge in Greytown, collapsing a concrete power pole and bringing down the high voltage lines.

The woman was uninjured and conscious, but attempting to move, and police called to her to remain in her seat while they worked to get the power turned off.

The crash caused stalled traffic for two kilometres north and south after Greytown fire teams cordoned the road and manged traffic.

Wellington Free Ambulance spokeswoman Diane Livingston said police "gave all the right advice" to the woman.

"Generally speaking, where we are first on the scene we call the Fire Service who create a safe space around the scene, and contact the power company to get the power switched off.

"Our instructions to the driver, occupants and anyone in the area are to keep still and stay where they are until things are cleared and safe.

"Our people keep clear until the Fire Service and power companies have done their thing."

Police sergeant Chris Megaw said the woman was uninjured but was taken to Wairarapa Hospital, and referred to specialist services.

A PowerCo spokesman said power was lost to around 75 properties on Ahikouka Rd and Hupenui Rd because of the crash.

Contractors on site replaced the pole and restored power by mid-afternoon.