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Third Party to Investigate Pole Collapse

Third Party to Investigate Pole Collapse

Utilities Kingston is arranging to have a third-party engineering firm, from outside the Kingston area, conduct an investigation as to why hydro poles collapsed on John Counter Boulevard and will provide updates as they become available.

Jim Keech, president and CEO of Utilities Kingston says, "Emergency responders and our crews did a tremendous amount of work to make the area safe and restore it, and we thank everyone in the community for their patience. Our focus is now on the investigation. We're committed to sharing accurate information as it becomes available."

After the investigation is complete, Utilities Kingston will provide the results by issuing a news release and updates on social media.

On Friday, eight poles collapsed and an additional five poles were impacted. The initial outage affected approximately 2,374 customers around noon on Friday for one hour and 12 minutes, before crews reduced the outage area to 535 customers. All residential customers had their power restored before midnight on the same day, with the road fully reopened early Saturday evening.

Poles and live wires landed on two vehicles, and no one was injured in the incident.

"We're extremely grateful that no one was hurt because the occupants remained in their vehicles until it was safe to get out. It's the good judgment of Kingston Police, Kingston Fire and Rescue, bystanders and the two vehicle occupants themselves that ensured the best possible outcome," says Keech.

Utilities Kingston reminds the public of these safety tips:

  • If you see a downed power line or tree branch that has fallen on a power line, always assume it still has electricity flowing through it, even if it isn't sparking.
  • Stay back at least 10 metres or 33 feet (that's about the length of a school bus) and don't touch anything metal (such as guard rails) in the area.
  • Report it immediately by calling 911 or the utility's emergency line at 613-546-1181. This line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • If a power line falls on your car, the car and the ground around it may be electrified and you could be killed if you get out of the vehicle. Stay inside until the utility workers tell you it's safe to get out. Tell everyone to stay back 10 metres or 33 feet.
  • More safety tips are available from our website.

Kingston Police is conducting a separate investigation into the incident. If anyone witnessed anything or has any information, contact Cst. Mike Rice at 613-549-4660, extension 6262 or mrice@kpf.ca