Emergency services responded to a crash in Masterton at the Dixon St and Worksop Rd roundabout at about 4.30pm on Saturday afternoon.
Wairarapa Police area prevention manager Gill Flower said the crash occurred after a white Suzuki Swift went through the roundabout the wrong way.
“It appeared the 72-year-old driver went in the wrong direction through the roundabout and ended up hitting a power pole and a building,” Flower said.
“We got the call at 4.30pm and were there until 6pm; the person was trapped. The whole intersection was blocked for some time.”
Masterton Fire Station also responded to the event.
“We arrived shortly after 4.30pm to assist with first aid,” station officer Richard King said.
“We didn’t need to use any equipment, and the driver was assessed by Wellington Free Ambulance [WFA].
“We had two trucks, one of which was for scene protection and we stayed until 6pm to ensure the road was cleared up and the car was towed.”
WFA confirmed the driver was treated for minor injuries at the scene and did not need to be transported to the hospital.
King said that because the driver knocked down a power pole and street light, Powerco was called to shut down power.
“Fortunately, the nighttime street lights had not been turned on yet, and so it could be isolated,” he said.
According to a Powerco spokesperson, “The accident caused power lines to touch the car, and a person was trapped inside until crews could make the site safe.
“The incident also involved a street light, which council contractors are fixing.
“The power went out at 4.46pm and cut supply to one customer, but it was restored at 6pm.”
The spokesperson also offered advice to people if a power line falls on a car.
“Electricity lines should be treated as live at all times, they should not be touched, and people and animals should be kept well clear,” the spokesperson said.
“If lines come down on a vehicle, occupants should stay in the vehicle until given the all the clear, or, if occupants are in danger – for instance, if there’s a fire – they should jump clear of the vehicle, keeping their feet together when they land.”
“It’s important not to touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time in case the lines have livened the vehicle.
“People should not try to rescue people from vehicles trapped by fallen lines.
“If lines come down, customers should report it by calling 111 or Powerco’s 24/7 emergency line at 0800272727.”
