UPDATED WITH VIDEO: Over 1000 properties in the Sandown and Lake areas are without power this evening (Wednesday) following a fault with a transformer at Fairway Holiday Park off Perowne Way – caused by a bird flying into it.
Fire crews from Bembridge and Ryde along with SSE engineers were alerted to the incident at around 19:10 following reports of an electricity transformer on fire, with several locations suggested. Island Echo readers reported hearing a loud bang and flashes of light in the Perowne Way area.
A total of 1015 properties are without electricity according to Southern and Scottish Energy, who are in the process of identifying the fault before repairs can commence.
Island Echo can reveal a small bird is believed to have caused the outage after coming into contact with the transformer.
A spokesman from SSE said that power will return as soon as possible, however an accurate time frame cannot currently be given.
UPDATE @ 21:07 – Power has been restored to the majority of the 1,015 customers affected, however an isolated number remain without power this evening whilst a transformer is replaced.
The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service have stood down from the incident with no action taken.
UPDATE @ 21:25 – All but 10 customers have had power restored, according to SSE. It is anticipated power will be restored fully by 04:00 tomorrow morning.
Engineers are on site at the holiday park.
