Driver's lucky escape after lorry strikes power line

The current from the 33,000-volt lines travelled through the vehicle, bursting three tyres

A driver was left "lucky to be alive" after his lorry struck overhead power lines, with the electrical current coursing through the vehicle and bursting three tyres.

It happened earlier this month at White Moss Road in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, Electricity North West said.

The driver was uninjured after his "lucky escape", the power company said.

Engineers attended and made the network safe afterwards.

Warning to drivers

An investigation later found the company was compliant with safety and engineering standards.

Asset and investment director Paul Killilea said: "This was an incredibly serious incident and I can’t stress enough how fortunate the driver was to walk away unharmed.

“Luckily, we’re only dealing with three burst tyres and a power cut, but this could have been far worse.

"The driver is lucky to be alive.

“This should be a warning to everyone who drives large vehicles, whether that be HGV tippers or tractors, to look out and look up."