A stretch of the M5 was closed at Burnham-On-Sea after a pole connected to a 33,000-volt power cable caught fire last night (Wednesday).
The motorway was closed in both directions between Bridgwater and Burnham-On-Sea from 7pm until 3.45am this morning after a nearby substation tripped, briefly cutting the power supply to 10,546 customers in the Burnham-On-Sea area.
“We established it was the 33,000-volt circuit feeding our Burnham Primary Substation,” a spokesman for Western Power Distribution said. “At 6.55pm the circuit breaker feeding this substation tripped, disconnecting supplies to 10,546 customers. Most customers were immediately restored via an alternative circuit.”
Western Power said the top of the pole burnt off, causing conductors “to clash together” and trip a circuit breaker. Engineers were brought in to fix the overhead line. The cause was unknown.
Our video from the scene shows the smoking power line with emergency services in attendance.
Fire crews were also on scene and a fire spokesman said: “Our fire control received calls to reports of an electricity pole on fire. Two fire engines from Bridgwater and one fire engine from Burnham were sent.”
“Once the crew got in attendance the officer in charge confirmed one electricity pole smouldering. The officer in charger requested the attendance of Western Power to isolate the power supply to the lines and highways to close the M5 in both directions.”
“While the crews were standing by for the power to be isolated the pole had fallen due to fire damage. The fire burn out naturally and the incident was handed over to Western Power and Highways England.”
“The area was made safe and the crew returned home station. The cause of this fire is believed to be accidental.”
Motorists were advised to avoid the area as queues built up on the A38 diversion route through Highbridge.
