Farmer 'lucky to be alive' after electricity pole crash

A warning has been issued for farmers to watch out for overhead lines

A farmer was lucky to survive after crashing into an electricity pole and bringing down overhead lines carrying 33,000 volts, an energy company has said.

The accident in a field in Preston in July was one of seven incidents across Lancashire as the harvest season got under way, Electricity North West said.

The firm has issued a warning to farmers, calling on them to "look out and look up" to avoid live electricity infrastructure.

Spokesman Paul Killilea said: “The farmers involved are lucky to be alive".

'Be vigilant'

He continued: "We’ve also seen considerable damage to the power network, which has then gone on to affect customers due to the power cuts that have been caused, but the reality is this could have been a very different situation for those involved.

“We are again calling on farmers to take note of their surroundings, be vigilant and stay aware.

“I urge everybody who works on farmland to take note - these incidents are serious and by being aware, it really could save a life.”

Other incidents in the last few weeks have happened in Croston, Rossendale, Clitheroe, Burnley, Lancaster and Goosnargh.