Fallen tree sparks power outage

Strong winds and a fallen tree branch caused a stir on Gympie Terrace at lunchtime on Tuesday when it caught on the main powerlines then burst into flames.

Helen Lawson was on the spot and phoned Energex when she first noticed the large tree branch swaying on the powerlines on the corner of Robert Street.

“Approximately 20-30 minutes later I noticed small sparks in the branch and called Energex once again and reported the sparking,” she said.

“Within minutes the branch caught fire and then two enormous “booms” resounded as the electricity was affected, and supply cut off.”

Helen said within 10 minutes Energex crews were on the scene and the power supply was quickly reconnected.