One still critical after power line accident

The scene on Normanby Road in the Auckland suburb of Mt Eden, where two workers were electrocuted when they backed into overhead powerlines. Photo / Richard Robinson.

One of the two workers who suffered electric shocks after a flagpole on the back of their truck hit power lines in Auckland this afternoon remains in critical condition this evening.

The incident happened in Normanby Road, Mount Eden about 1.45pm, police said.

An ambulance spokesman said the men, one aged 41 and the other 50, were both given CPR by bystanders. Both were taken to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition.

An Auckland District Health Board spokesman said this evening one of the men remained critical and had been transferred to Middlemore Hospital's burns unit.

The other man was in a stable condition in Auckland City Hospital and doctors were considering moving him to Middlemore Hospital's burns unit as well, he said.

Vector Energy spokeswoman Sandy Hodge said the workers, who were not involved with the company, backed out of a driveway with an erect flag pole on the back of the truck and hit 11,000 volt power lines, sending electricity through the truck.

Power was cut to 240 Mount Eden properties after the incident. All customers had their power restored by 3.10pm, Ms Hodge said.

The Department of Labour is investigating.

- NZPA