05 May 2006 00:00 Model aeroplane damages power line, interrupts electricity supply to 7,000 customers in Staffs, Shrops and Worcs

Electricity distribution company Central Networks has today warned enthusiasts to be careful around its overhead lines after a model aeroplane collided with power lines.

The crash caused 7,000 customers in Kinver, Quatt and Wribbenhall to lose power, although engineers were able to restore supplies within 11 minutes.

Pete Lindop, Network Manager with Central Networks, said: “It’s fortunate that no-one was injured as a result of this incident, but it demonstrates the consequences when people don’t take adequate care around the electricity network.

“I’d urge people flying model aeroplanes or kites to look out and look up – make sure you know where our overhead lines are and keep well away.

“Accidents can be so easily avoided, just by taking a few basic precautions.

“Our electricity network is designed to be safe, but overhead lines are live so if they do come into contact with something like a fishing rod or kite string, there could be tragic consequences.”

Ends

Notes to editors:
•Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.9 million customers across Central England through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables – enough to go round the Earth almost four times – and via almost 97,000 substations;
•Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast;
•The Power Discovery Zone website (www.powerdiscoveryzone.com) is designed to support the Central Networks Power Discovery Truck which is a free resource that visits local schools to teach pupils about electricity and electrical safety;
•Anyone who would like the bus to visit a school, safety event or show should visit www.powerdiscoveryzone.com and follow the directions in the Teacher’s Zone.

For further information contact:
Rebecca Middleton on 024 7642 5779
A selection of Central Networks pictures is available free of charge to the media by registering at www.newscast.co.uk and looking under Distribution